best haunted houses east coast

12 Destinations For Halloween Lovers On The East Coast

Why celebrate this unique holiday at home when you can check out all these incredible Halloween destinations on the East Coast?

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Top East Coast Destinations For Halloween Lovers

• Newport, Rhode Island offers a spooky experience with its haunted history and the chance to visit the most haunted tavern in the US, the White Horse Tavern.
• Salem, Massachusetts, also known as Witch City, is a top destination for Halloween lovers with its haunted happenings, witchy festivals, and spooky tours.
• Sleepy Hollow, New York, inspired by the Headless Horseman legend, offers a variety of macabre attractions, Halloween parades, haunted hayrides, and more for true Halloween enthusiasts.

With Halloween quickly approaching, many avid travelers are looking for a way to spice things up (and not with pumpkin spice). The good news is that Halloween getaways, haunted stays, and dark tourism, in general, are becoming more popular among travelers. Plus, more than a few places worldwide take their festivities to the next level—especially in the US. So for those looking to get out there and see how others celebrate this beloved holiday, there are more than a few options. In fact, here are ten destinations for Halloween lovers on the East Coast.

UPDATE: 2023/09/03 16:44 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays in America, especially for those with an affinity for spooky stories, haunted happenings, and freakish adventures. In this refreshed article, find out more witchy towns on the East Coast that promise a classic Halloween scare.

Related: 10 Terrifyingly Haunted US Destinations To Visit This Fall Season

12 Newport, Rhode Island

Besides being a stunning coastal town, Newport has an abundance of haunted history. Here, Halloween lovers can stop by the White Horse Tavern, rumored to be the most haunted tavern in the entire US. This tavern was originally constructed in 1673, so there is definitely more than a few ghosts here—from colonist and British soldiers to pirates and sailors. An added bonus here is that this city was where Hocus Pocus 2 was filmed, so fans of this cult classic can check this RI town out.

11 Salem, Massachusetts

Speaking of Hocus Pocus, Salem or Witch City needs no introduction. With the Haunted Happenings , The Festival of the Dead, outdoor screenings of Hocus Pocus, haunted tours, the famous Salem Witches' Halloween Ball, and more, visitors can't go wrong here. Salem is considered one of the top spooky destinations for Halloween lovers, and this city knows how to put on a good show. So, travelers looking for an all-out celebration brimming with lore and witchery, then this destination won't disappoint.

Related: 10 Witchy Things You'll Learn When Visiting Salem, Massachusetts

10 Sleepy Hollow, New York

Yet another iconic Halloween town is none other than Sleepy Hollow. Thanks to Washington Irving's Headless Horseman legend, Sleepy Hollow also knows how to do Halloween right. With Macabre attractions like the 300-year-old Van Cortlandt Manor , the historic Lyndhurst Castle , and tours of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery , visitors can easily pass the time while awaiting the cover of darkness. There is also a lovely Halloween parade, haunted hayrides, Oktoberfest, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze , and a 5K costume run. So, really, what more could a true lover of all things Halloween need?

9 Washington, DC

Further down the East Coast, Halloween lovers will find a hotbed of festive activities in the country's capital. With Washington, DC's long history, more than a few ghost stories are lurking around every corner. For those looking to tour this spooky destination, be sure to visit the notorious Field of Scream and book a spine-chilling ghost tour or two. Of course, for visitors looking for more of a wholesome Halloween celebration, there's also the annual Pumpkin Walk , Bask in Pumpkins, mystery dinners, Navy Yard parties, haunted wine tastings, and more.

8 Asheville, North Carolina

For paranormal lovers, a Halloween getaway to Asheville, North Carolina, will suffice. With terror trails, haunted houses, and limitless haunted attractions , this East Coast city takes ghost hunting and paranormal activity to a new level. Here, travelers can enjoy many haunted adventures, including the famous Haunted Asheville Ghost Tours , The Haunted Trail, The Myers Haunted House, and the Biltmore Village Mystery Tour . Those looking for some serious thrills and chills this Halloween should make Asheville the next destination.

7 Fall River, Massachusetts

Horror and true-crime fans already know that Fall River, Massachusetts, is on the map because of Lizzie Borden. Tourists interested in spending a night in the home where one of the most infamous axe murders occurred can now experience the scare. Of course, this house of terror has been converted into a bed and breakfast, but the 1800s interior has been left intact. Visitors can book a ghostly stay here and check out a variety of festive happenings like Bristol's Ghost Hunting Halloween Party and more.

6 Savannah, Georgia

Travelers who prefer a side of southern hospitality with their hair-raising Halloween getaway, then Savannah should do the trick. Not only does this festive destination go all out with decorations, but several ghostly attractions are worth checking out, like the Savannah Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley tours , haunted history tours, and more. Halloween visitors can book a stay at The Marshall House, which is rumored to be one of the most haunted hotels in the entire city, with more than a few Civil War spirits afoot.

5 Williamsburg, Virginia

Yet another place that knows how to celebrate Halloween on the East Coast is Williamsburg, Virginia. This is the destination to choose for those interested in how Colonial Williamsburg embraces its spooky side. Visitors can also enjoy several historic ghost tours, some ghost hunting in the area's various haunted properties, and chilling recounts of Williamsburg's Witch Trials. A bonus, the Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens is just around the corner from all these Colonial Williamsburg haunts for anyone looking for a real scare-fest.

4 Reading, Pennsylvania

At first glance, Reading, Pennsylvania, might seem like a little town on the East Coast with not much to offer. But, when it comes to Halloween, this city's iconic Shocktoberfest is definitely something Halloween lovers don't want to miss. This festival makes Reading a great destination, especially for those who've been dying to try some of the top-rated horror attractions in the country. From a zombie safari tour and a massacre scare zone to laser tag with zombies and killer hayrides—true fans have to check out Shocktoberfest at least once in their lifetime.

3 New York, New York

Good ole New York is, of course, one of the top-ranking Halloween destinations on the East Coast. With one of the biggest Halloween parades around, The Haunted History Trail of New York, and its own decent share of ghost stories, urban legends, and mysteries, this is an excellent option for lovers of lore and all things Halloween-related. So why not book a haunted stay in the Big Apple, venture out onto the Haunted Trail to check some of the most haunted destinations in New York , or paint the town red in celebration of All Hollow's Eve?

Related: 10 Haunted Restaurants Along The Haunted History Trail Of New York

2 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's largest city lays claim to a couple of the most haunted places on the East Coast , making it the perfect getaway for fans of the dark, mysterious, and spooky. The Eastern State Penitentiary has had a fair share of haunted happenings, and its troubled history will freak out the most composed visitors. But those willing to raise the stakes can try the Terror Behind the Walls, guaranteeing an immersive experience not for the faint-hearted. Another highlight in the city is the Dark Philly Adult Night Tour , which delves into R-rated topics like pirate ships and vampires while exploring various historical attractions under the cover of darkness.

1 Charleston, South Carolina

Halloween fans can look forward to a thrilling experience in one of the older cities in America. Charleston has seen numerous happenings throughout its existence, good and bad, and haunted stories are not new to this historic destination. Tourists can uncover its spooky side on the Ghosts of Charleston Nighttime Walking Tour , which offers a front-row experience of several haunted sites. If a scare-thorn is what visitors are after, they can follow it up with a stroll through the infamous Unitarian Church Graveyard.

10 of the Scariest Haunted Houses in America

Even the YouTube clips are terrifying.

Thankfully, for those thrill-seekers, just about every state across the country—from Pennsylvania and New York to Louisiana and Texas—has a place that'll freak them out. Some are located in massive fields and centuries-old farms (do not miss Lancaster County's aptly named Field of Screams), and others take place in abandoned buildings (think a deteriorating meat-packing plant, a historic manor, and a former schoolhouse). Some involve a guided tour of one heart-pounding attraction, while others allow you explore a variety of bone-chilling scenes, sets, and scenarios on your own. But no matter what you choose, all of these haunted houses are packed with spine-tingling sights (expect vicious vampires , killer reptiles, mysterious monsters, and, yes, lots of blood) that'll have you spooked days, even weeks, later.

Ahead, we've compiled a list of 10 of the scariest haunted houses in the United States—and, for that matter, in the world. While none are so extreme that they require you to sign a 40-page waiver , we promise they'll shake you to your very core.

The Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride

Location: Glen Mills, PA

Dates: September 25 to October 31

General admission price: $40-75, with $30 group rates

The Bates Motel and Bates Psycho Path (GET IT?) have been dazzling visitors for 30 years with a particularly slick experience featuring animatronic props actors, and digital FX. The third attraction, the monster-filled Revenge of the Scarecrows Haunted Corn Trail, features walk-through sets and over 30 actors in creepy costume. In 2021, though, those actors won't be touching anyone—masks are also required, and there's a temperature check at the door.

Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses

Location: Ulster Park, NY

Dates: September 25 to October 31 (Friday through Sunday only)

General admission price: $39.95 to $47.95 + fees

Fans flock to Ulster Park, NY, every year for the theatrical Headless Horseman Hayride, corn maze, and several haunted house experiences on the grounds of a gorgeous, historic 18th-century manor. In 2020, the hayride was be replaced by a drive-through experience titled "The Horseman's Trail," but details regarding the 2021 season have yet to be released. Keep in mind, though: The website promises it's "returning bigger and better" this year.

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Field of Screams

Location: Mountville, PA

Dates: September 10 to November 6 (Friday through Sunday, mostly)

General admission price: $16 per attraction, $35 for all 4

Lancaster County's Field of Screams offers four themed attractions: The Frightmare Asylum, Den of Darkness, Nocturnal Wasteland, and the Haunted Hayride—which sounds less scary, but looks absolutely TERRIFYING in this video trailer .

The Dent Schoolhouse

Location: Cincinnati, OH

General admission price: $20-25

Taken with a grain of salt, the allegedly-true Dent Schoolhouse storyline is a fun one: The attraction's website claims it was once an actual public school, but it closed in the 1950s after a janitor known as Charlie was suspected of foul play after kids started going missing. These days, brave visitors roam the schoolhouse halls and the outdoor Queen City Slaughter Yard to find horrors around every corner.

The attraction—which has been frightening guests for 25 years—opens September 17, and true thrill-seekers can experience the Dent Schoolhouse *in complete darkness* on November 5 and 6.

The 13th Floor

Location: Denver, CO

Dates: September 11 to November 13 (select nights)

General admission price: $19.99-32.99, date depending

What terrors await on the cursed 13th Floor? Actors in exquisitely ghoulish costume, for one, plus high-tech animations, and rooms that may move to shake your sense of reality. While details about the 2021 attractions will be released in the coming weeks, there were three in 2020: Dead End District, an abandoned "town" with lingering residents you don't want to run into, a Creature Feature starring silver screen vampires, mummies, and werewolves, and Deadly Reflections (LOVE a good haunted mirror).

Haunted house aficionados should also check out the 13th Floor's YouTube channel , which offers "Behind the Screams" videos highlighting the artistry that goes into creating these annual experiences.

Cutting Edge Haunted House

Location: Fort Worth, TX

General admission price: Not listed

So named for its location in a former meatpacking plant, Cutting Edge has made the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest walk-through haunted attraction (everything really IS bigger in Texas). It'll take you about an hour to get through, and expect hanging butchered bodies, maniacs with chainsaws, and—well, we'll let their site say it: "Beware: You’ll receive ELECTRICAL SHOCKS. The floors are uneven; the slides are fast and dark; you WILL be enveloped by creeping fog and vapors." Did we mention there's a ghostly drum corps ?

Kersey Valley Spookywoods

Location: Archdale, NC

Dates: October 1 to November 6 (Friday through Sunday only)

General admission price: $30-35, $60 for VIP

Look, it's right there in the name: This is haunted ground. "From the moment you arrive on Kersey Valley property, you are fair game to each and every haunted creature residing here," the site warns. The tour offers a veritable small town of hair-raising sets, and actors in admirably-detailed costumes .

The 13th Gate

Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Dates: October 1 to November 13 (Friday through Sunday, mostly)

General admission price: $30, $60 for VIP

Louisiana's known for its bayous, and 13th Gate is known for its swampy pools full of actual snakes. The 40,000 square feet of ultra-realistic sets and scenarios include an outdoor graveyard full of zombies, and an abandoned asylum. Looking for something even scarier? You can also purchase tickets for one of the two Flashlight Fright Nights (November 5 and 6), in which visitors can explore the completely dark passages of the 13th Gate...with just a few dimly-lit LED finger lights. Oh, and don't miss Carnevil across the street, a festive celebration full of costumed characters, fire artists, and more revelry.

Haunted Overload

Location: Lee, NH

Dates: October 8 to 31 (Friday through Sunday, mostly)

General admission price: $28, $8 in the daytime

New England is famous for its eldritch history, with its real-life witch trials and 19th century " vampire hunters ." New Hampshire's Haunted Overload channels that mood at the DeMerritt Hill Farm each year, transforming it into an immersive experience that's more spooky than gory—but always chillingly done. For those seeking a more family-friendly experience, bring kids before dark for the Day Haunt where there won't be any monsters.

Netherworld Haunted House

Location: Stone Mountain, GA

Georgia's Netherworld has been consistently ranked as a top scary Halloween attraction. The main theme of last year, " Halloween Nightmares ," centered around a centuries-old feud between two rural Georgia clans, but as the website promises, the themes change dramatically each year, so so expect new effects, costumes, sets and scares.

Samantha Vincenty is the former senior staff writer at Oprah Daily. 

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With Halloween nearing, haunted houses become all the rage. Ghouls and goblins emerge from hiatus, and weekends spent being chased around a corn maze by a chainsaw-wielding lunatic become the norm. One of the most fantastic states in the country for haunted-house-hopping is Pennsylvania. It may not be Transylvania, but it’s brimming with scares that just might make you pee your pants. If you are brave enough, check out these thirteen frightening attractions.

Halloween is one of the best times of the year, offering up spooky fun, awesome fall festivals, and of course, haunted houses. Visit Pennsylvania and its scary array of creepy mansions, fields, corn mazes, and more! From Jason's Woods in Lancaster to the Sleepy Hollow Hayride, there is tons of fun to be had with a Halloween getaway. 

Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, PA

The Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, PA [1] is one of the scariest haunts in the area. No expense is spared at this amazing attraction. Located at the original State School, the attraction features four thrilling parts. Avoid the tortured inmates in the dark, inhabited rooms of the Pennhurst Asylum. Then, in the Dungeon of Lost Souls, guests will be able to enter an eerie labyrinth filled with Frankenstein-esque experiments gone wrong. The Tunnel of Terror consists of catacombs brimming with gory decorations, jump-scares, and more. And during the Ghost Hunt guests can embark upon a self-guided paranormal tour through the historic Mayflower Building, which has been featured on shows such as Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. Blending haunts with ghostly encounters, this attraction is a popular favorite in the area.

Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA

The Terror Behind the Walls [2] haunt is held in the actual site of the Eastern State Penitentiary where ghostly beings are said to roam freely throughout its walls. Featured on several different television shows including Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters, the penitentiary itself is a terrifying place. Add in the theatrics of jump-scares galore, and the attraction is sure to please those with a thirst for adrenaline. The haunt features six different attractions, making for a unique and terrifying experience. Visit Terror Behind the Walls for a spooky Halloween adventure.

Hundred Acres Manor in Bethel Park, PA

Visit Bethel Park, PA for an evening of scares at Hundred Acres Manor [3] . The haunt has been called “One of America’s scariest Halloween Attractions” by the Travel Channel and for good reason: its six attractions are absolutely horrifying. From the Torture Tank to a 7,500 square foot maze, and a laser tag crawling with hungry zombies, this attraction will make your blood run cold. Other experiences include the Enigma Project, which is a real-time, real-life horror escape-the-room game which will bend and twist your mind with unimaginable terrors.

  Share the most frightening Halloween activities in Pennsylvania with your friends.

Ghost Lake: 13 Levels of Fear in Conneaut Lake, PA

Nothing says terror like 13 different levels of intense, blood-curdling scares. Ghost Lake: 13 Levels of Fear in Conneaut Lake, PA [4] is a sure-fire way to scare the pants off of anyone who enters its gates. Each level is equipped with the finest makeup, effects, actors, and more for a unique experience. Levels include a creepy Clown Town, a 3D Carnival of Fear, Demon House, and even a roller coaster. Needless to say, the attraction is one of the most popular in the area… or at least it is among those who have managed to make it out in one piece.

Reaper’s Revenge in Scranton, PA

Next is Reaper’s Revenge in Scranton, PA. This haunt is comprised of 60 acres and more than 90 minutes of fright. With attractions such as a spooky hayride, eerie forest, pitch-black labyrinth, and Sector 13 (a post-apocalyptic wasteland adventure), you are sure to get in all your thrills at this adventure. Reaper’s Revenge also features a disturbing take on sideshow life with the Lost Carnival. After all, what is more petrifying than a murderous clown? Nothing.

Field of Screams in Mountville, PA

The Field of Screams in Mountville, PA [5] provides thrilling fun each Halloween. The attraction features four different types of adventures. The Hayride allows guests to climb aboard the tractor-pulled wagon for a gory journey through the creepy cornfield. As the wagon creeks through the field, protect yourself from the horrifying monsters that lurk in the darkness. Then, reach the Den of Darkness, a three-story building that is home to unspeakable horrors that will leave you shaking. At the Frightmare Asylum, nightmares take form as you delve inside the minds of the most criminally insane patients; though you may very well lose your own grip on reality in the process. Lastly, the Field of Screams’ newest attraction, the Nocturnal Wasteland trail provides an incredibly immersive experience as you venture through the woods. Brimming with ghosts, ghouls, and everything in between, the Field of Screams definitely lives up to its name.

Are you brave enough for these ghastly Halloween activities? Add your comments below. ↓

Arasapha Farms in Glen Mills, PA

The Arasapha Farm in Glen Mills, PA [6] is a terrorizing attraction sure to send chills up your spine. Embark on the 25 minute hayride where you’ll see horrors beyond your imagination and, hopefully, avoid the headless horseman. Then explore the labyrinth of the corn maze where horrors lurk around every corner. If you manage to make it through those, you can check into the infamous Bates Motel, if you dare, and experience an up close and personal thrill that will leave you screaming. Will you be able to escape, or will you become Norman Bates’ latest victim?

ScareHouse in Etna, PA

If you are looking for a grisly night out, check out the ScareHouse in Etna, PA [7] . Located in a suburb of Pittsburgh, the ScareHouse is an infamous attraction that rises from the dead in mid-September to turn your autumn weekends into nightmares. The haunt is infamous for its attraction, The Basement, which requires attendees to sign a waiver to even enter. After you sign your name, you are in for a terrifying experience. As you are led into the suffocating darkness, creatures of the night will restrain, torment, and even blindfold you. Not for the faint of heart, you must be 18 or older to even participate. With rave reviews from star-studded attendees such as Elijah Wood, Amy Bruni, and Harmony Smith, this truly terrifying attraction is a must-see scare for any adrenaline junkie.

Hotel of Horror in Saylorsburg, PA

The Hotel of Horror in Saylorsburg, PA [8] is one of the most popular haunts in the area. The attraction features the Hotel of Horror, Altered Nightmares, and the Exhibition Macabre. These terrifying attractions are sure to keep guests’ fear and interest piqued during the whole adventure. In the Hotel of Horror, you will be exposed to some of the most gory creatures in existence and forced to fend off brain-eating zombies in this terrifying hotel. Delve into some voodoo in the Altered Nightmares attraction or take a look into the weird with Exhibit Macabre. Also included in the adventure are the iPas attraction, where you do the scaring, and the Coffin Coach ride, a unique twist to the haunt you will not find anywhere else. With so many spooky attractions, Hotel of Horror is sure to haunt your nightmares for months to come.

Jason’s Woods in Lancaster, PA

Jason’s Woods [9] is a spectacular haunted house with six attractions that will have you screaming your lungs out all evening. Begin your evening with a heart-pounding stroll through Jason’s Woods or an only-slightly-more-relaxing hayride. You are seriously going to want to bring a change of pants, because the attractions only get more terrifying. Escape the butcher in the Chamber of Horrors, survive a night in the Zombie Apocalypse, step right up to the Carnival of Fear, or explore the Fields of Fright. With jump-scares, fantastic makeup, and brilliant actors, the experience of a lifetime is to be had in Jason’s Woods. Just hope that you find your way out of there alive.

Sleepy Hollow Hayride and House in Newtown, PA

Everyone knows the legend of Sleepy Hollow, and the Sleepy Hollow Hayride and House in Newton, PA [10] is the best way to experience this grisly tale firsthand. The hayride itself lasts for a 1.25 miles and features many different scares. Also on the premises is the Haunted House in the Hollow. Also known as the Malfate Manor, the greenhouse, seventeen rooms, and cemetery are all open to the public to explore. Lastly, get in your thrills in the spooky Field of Fright where you will get lost among the stalks of corn… and the sadistic murderers that may be lurking in the darkness. No one will be able to hear your screams.

LuLu’s House of Horrors in Plymouth Meeting, PA

For the scariest adventure in Plymouth Meeting, PA, visit LuLu’s [11] . Admission includes a scary wagon ride, a stroll through a cemetery, a corn maze, and a venture into the doors of the House of Horrors where you’ll encounter your worst nightmares. The house is not recommended for children under 12 years old, as the horrors that await are sure to disturb those of all ages. If you are brave, though, make sure to visit LuLu’s for a frighteningly great time.

Fear Hollow in Mountain Top, PA

What do you fear the most? Fear Hollow in Mountain Top, PA is sure to bring all of your worst phobias to life right before your eyes. Enter this haunted house and walk the creepy winding trail if you dare to face the most twisted parts of your imagination. With top-notch makeup, costumes, special effects, and makeup, the house is guaranteed to make you shake in terror. The attraction is open on weekends from October 3 to October 26, 2015, so make sure to add it to your fall must-see list.

Haunted Hills Estate in Uniontown, PA

Celebrating its 13th year, Haunted Hills Estate [12] in Uniontown, PA is the perfect place for those who wish to be terrified out of their minds. The Estate is home to three different interactive attractions that are sure to torture those who visit them. Check into the Legends Hotel, take on The Curse Challenge Trail, and relive your scariest dreams at the Twisted Nightmare. With talented actors, costumes, and special effects, a trip to this haunt is sure to be a fun one. Guests can also take advantage of free parking, yummy treats, and more.

Which of these are you brave enough to visit? What is your best haunted house experience? Let us know in the comments!

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These Are Officially the Best Halloween Haunts in America

Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer , an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure , Time , Los Angeles Times , Glamour , and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello.

If you’re looking to have a spooktacular October, the Haunted Attraction Association is here to help.

As the “only official association in the haunt industry,” the HAA takes its job of promoting safe and ethical haunted places very seriously. With that, it’s now revealing its list of the 31 top haunted attractions across the U.S.

According to the HAA, in order to gain its seal of approval, haunted sites must be a member of HAA and meet a list of 10 criteria relating back to the group's mission, which includes: to protect customers, promote haunted attractions, and educate industry professionals.

“Guest safety is a top priority throughout the industry,” HAA President Brett Hays said in a statement. “The number of certified Top Haunt attractions has more than doubled in the past three years, which shows the commitment to safety across the board from our members.”

Sure, this all sounds kind of tame for someone looking for a frightful Halloween, but trust us, you’ll still be screaming, crying, and calling your mom to tell her you love her at all of these places.

Seriously, you think you’re getting through the Haunted Hotel in Kentucky , where ghosts, goblins, and bad guys lurk around every corner, without screaming? How about the fact that the killers hiding inside are actually allowed to touch guests? Is that horrifying enough ?

Oh, you assume you’re making it out of the Fear Farm in Arizona without peeing your pants just a little? I don’t think so, especially after you get a good look at their witches.

And don’t even get us started on Terror in the Corn in Colorado . Corn fields are already scary enough without ax murders hiding among them.

Here are 31 different places around the country you can visit with your family this Halloween season where we’re almost positive you’ll make it out alive.

• 13th Floor Haunted House – Denver, Colorado
• Creepy Hollow Haunted House – Rosharon, Texas
• The Factory of Terror – Canton, Ohio
• Fear Fair – Seymour, Indiana
• Fear Farm – Phoenix, Arizona
• Field of Screams – Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• Frightland – Middletown, Delaware
• Hauntville Haunted House – Cleveland, Ohio
• Haunted Hollow – Rockwood, Pennsylvania
• Haunted Schoolhouse & Laboratory – Akron, Ohio
• The Haunted Hotel – Louisville, Kentucky
• Hobb’s Grove –Sanger, California
• House of Torment Haunted House – Austin, Texas
• Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses – Ulster Park, New York
• Hysterium – Fort Wayne, Indiana
• The Kingwood Asylum – Houston, Texas
• Legends of Fear – Shelton, Connecticut
• Niles Scream Park – Niles, Michigan
• Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern – Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Reaper’s Revenge – Scranton, Pennsylvania
• ScareHouse –Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Scare USA –Two Rivers, Wisconsin
• Shocktoberfest – Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania
• Spooky Ranch at Rockin'-R- Ranch – Columbia, Ohio
• Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Terror in the Corn – Erie, Colorado
• Terror on the Fox – Green Bay, Wisconsin
• The Asylum Haunted House – Denver, Colorado
• USS Nightmare – Newport, Kentucky
• Wiard's Orchards Night Terrors – Township, Michigan
• Wisconsin Fear Grounds – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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The 15 best ghost tours in the U.S. for a good scare

Feel chills from head to toe on these terrifyingly fun ghost tours in the U.S.—book if you dare!

Every town has a past worth exploring—both pleasant and sinister. If you want to learn about a city’s dark side, consider signing up for a ghost tour. These tours mesh history, mystery, and entertainment all in one evening as guides tell tales of the supernatural, take you by  haunted sites  and often show you mysterious local cemeteries .

In New Orleans, stroll the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter while learning about the world of voodoo, haunted mansions, and even pirate legends. In San Francisco, board a ferry to Alcatraz for a gripping night tour of the former prison to hear tales of daring escapes and those who disappeared without a trace. Other choices include the eerie "Trolley of the Doomed" in Key West, a chilling Chicago bus tour, or a family-friendly tour to hear about the ghosts of Colonial Williamsburg.

No matter which ghost tour experience you choose, be prepared to learn something new, visit sites that will make you shiver—and maybe even encounter a ghost or two.

An email you’ll actually love

Best ghost tours in the U.S.

1.  French Quarter Phantoms | New Orleans, LA

With its colorful history and historic buildings, it’s no surprise that the French Quarter (the oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans) is filled with ghosts, ghouls, and other lingering spirits. There are few better ways to get the inside scoop than with the story-telling skills of French Quarter Phantoms. On the Ghost and Vampire Tour, which aptly departs from the Voodoo Lounge, you’ll hear about real serial killers, plagues, and fires that left death and destruction in their wake, and the other-worldly spirits said to haunt the city’s streets. During the one-mile tour, you’ll also stop at the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, where tales of New Orleans’ most savage murderer, Madame LaLaurie, will leave you scared stiff.

2.  The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg | Williamsburg, VA

By day, the shops and houses lining the streets of this quaint Colonial living-history museum are filled with performers reenacting daily life in the 18th century. At night, however, the 300-year-old buildings tell a spookier tale, which you can hear all about on The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg tour. On the second-oldest ghost tour in the United States, a guide armed with a candle-lit lantern takes you on a one-mile walk through the campus of The College of William & Mary and around Colonial Williamsburg, describing otherworldly experiences in a family-friendly way. Those seeking a scarier adventure should opt for the “extreme” tour, where tour guides use various ghost detectors to find paranormal activity—watch your back, folks.

3.  Ultimate Greenwich Village Ghost Tour | New York City, NY

Though there are dozens of walking tours winding their way through the labyrinth of this storied Manhattan neighborhood, the tour led by Boroughs of the Dead is simply to die for (pun intended). As you wander past buildings New Yorkers have called home for centuries, guides call out murder scenes, secret burial grounds, and spots where modern-day ghost hunters discovered paranormal activity. You’ll also learn how Greenwich Village influenced authors such as Edgar Allen Poe and H.P. Lovecraft to write their famous horror stories.

4.  Goodsprings Ghost Hunt | Goodsprings, NV

While most people travel to Las Vegas for some razzle-dazzle, a short 35-minute trip outside the city to Goodsprings provides plenty of thrills. Mostly abandoned, this early 20th-century mining town, nestled in the foothills of the Spring Mountains, is chock-full of paranormal activity. Vegas Specialty Tours provides round-trip transportation from Sin City, ghost hunting equipment such as EMF meters and temperature guns, and a guide who knows where to find the best signs of the supernatural. This unique experience starts with a meal (included in the price) at the Pioneer Saloon (famous for its Ghost burger). It features stories of truly tragic events, murders, and strange occurrences in the area.

5.  Black Cat Nightly Ghost Tour | Salem, MA

As the site of the infamous witch trials in 1692-1693, Salem will forever be linked with a sordid history and several restless spirits. Black Cat’s Nighty Ghost Tour takes you to some of the country’s most haunted sites and uncovers Salem’s spookiest stories, including witchery and maritime misadventures. Those seeking even more terrifying tales can opt for the late-night tour, where you’ll hear anecdotes involving torture, murder, and the unearthing of graves. Due to its graphic nature, this tour is recommended for ages 16 and over.

6.  L.A. Ghosts | Los Angeles, CA

Stories of glamour, greed, and the shady side of Tinseltown’s past are the stars of L.A. Ghosts, the top-rated ghost tour in Los Angeles. Visit Hollywood Boulevard, stopping at the famed locations of grisly murders and decades-old hauntings like the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Roosevelt (one of the most famously haunted hotels in America), and The Magic Castle, where numerous patrons have reported paranormal activity. Tours depart from El Capitan Theatre, and you can choose from a standard one-hour experience that visits eight sites or an extended cut that lasts an hour and forty minutes and includes 12 locations.

7.  Blue Orb Savannah Ghost Tour | Savannah, GA

Underneath Savannah’s Spanish Moss and Southern charm lurk dozens of spirits who aren’t exactly keen on hospitality. On the incredibly popular Blue Orb Savannah Ghost Tour, you’ll hear about ghost sightings and eerie happenings at places such as Wright Square (also known as the “Hanging Square.” Adults in a witchy mood should check out the Zombie tour, an excursion that taps into the city’s voodoo connections and the conjurers rumored to bring back the dearly departed.

8.  Bad Wolf San Antonio Ghost Walk | San Antonio, TX

You’ll have no trouble remembering the Alamo or its many storied characters (like Davy Crockett) thanks to this 90-minute tour of downtown San Antonio. After seeing the historic battle site lit up at night, walkers will hear devilishly good tales about the city’s tragic past. Get the skinny on true crime stories, spooky rituals, and urban legends as you pass haunted hotels, theaters, and mansions. You can also enjoy a “haunted dinner” experience or try the company’s spirited haunted pub crawl—cheers!

9.  Alcatraz Night Tour | San Francisco, CA

Alcatraz, a small island in the middle of the bay outside of San Francisco, is one of the most famous prisons in the world. From 1934-1963, it served as a maximum security federal penitentiary that housed some of the most dangerous and notorious criminals at the time. Touring Alcatraz is a popular attraction in San Francisco, but most people experience the landmark during the day. The nighttime tour, however, is the way to go—not only are there fewer crowds and stunning sunset views of the bay, but park rangers offer special programming after dark, such as talks on former inmates like Al Capone, and open up limited access rooms. Trust us, there’s something particularly eerie about experiencing this former jail at night and hearing stories of the prisoner’s past, including escape attempts.

10.  Ghosts & Gravestones Key West Frightseeing Tour | Key West, FL

Hop aboard the Trolley of the Doomed—if you dare. At night, Key West’s charming eccentricities seem stranger while on this Ghosts & Gravestones tour along Old Town’s narrow streets. Many of the wooden houses within the island’s historic district date back to the 19th century – and so do its ghosts. Your costumed guide will tell tragic tales of murder, yellow fever, and freakish accidents in chilling detail (oh, and maybe a few punch lines along the way). Did we mention attendees also meet Robert the Doll, the “most haunted plaything” in the world? Consider yourself warned.

11.  Nightly Spirits: White House Ghost Tour Pub Crawl | Washington, D.C.

If you prefer to pair paranormal spirits with liquid spirits, this two-and-a-half-hour White House Ghost Tour Pub Crawl in America's capital should keep you terrified and tipsy. With a costumed guide leading the way, beer-guzzling ghost hunters can expect to see many of the city’s most iconic buildings lit up at night while stopping in a few old taverns and pubs that come with plenty of local flavor. Though the stories are filled with more trivia tidbits than real scares, they’ll make for excellent conversation as you make new friends. Be sure to bring your camera—the White House and the monuments under the moonlight are spectacular.

12.  Spooked in Seattle | Seattle, WA

Since 2004, Spooked in Seattle’s paranormal experts have led locals and visitors on ghost tours and paranormal hunts through the city’s historic neighborhoods. You’ll learn about spirits that haunt Pioneer Square and stop at Smith Tower, a skyscraper from 1914, and the Merchant’s Cafe and Saloon, the city’s oldest restaurant. The grand finale includes a flashlight-powered visit to Seattle’s “underground,” the century-old shops, bars, and hotels abandoned after the city’s 1889 fire and still stand several feet below the city’s modern streets. Wearing comfortable shoes is strongly encouraged!

13.  Haunted San Diego Gaslamp Walking Tour | San Diego, CA

San Diego’s famed Gaslamp Quarter is known for its pretty lanterns and buzzing bars, but plenty of spirits are lurking in the shadows. This fast-paced tour mixes stories of the supernatural with bizarre true-crime events and includes stops at the Balboa Theater and the Horton Grand Hotel. In this lavish Victorian building, guests in room 309 have reported rattling beds, flickering lights, and other creepy occurrences. You’ll also have a chance to go inside the Davis-Horton House, which dates back to 1850 and is believed to be one of the most haunted spots in the city.

14.  The Original Chicago Hauntings Bus Tour | Chicago, IL

Hop aboard for a three-hour bus ride on Chicago’s oldest and most acclaimed ghost tour. Paranormal researcher and Chicago Hauntings founder Ursula Bielski and her expert guides uncover the Windy City’s dark and bloody past while whisking you around town on a luxury coach. You’ll visit the tragic sites of the St. Valentine’s Day massacre, the original City Cemetery, and the infamous Hull House, which is said to have inspired Rosemary’s Baby . Along the way, you may even encounter Chicago’s most famous ghost, “Resurrection Mary.” When it’s time to stretch your legs, you can opt for a stroll in “Death Alley”—though we won’t judge you for staying on the bus.

15.  Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour | Charleston, SC

“Some stories were never supposed to be told,” says Mike Brown, creator of this acclaimed ghost tour and the Pleasing Terrors podcast host. On this 90-minute walk, Brown tells the stories of the Holy City’s greatest hauntings at sites such as the Charleston Library Society (known for its “blood book'') and Poogan’s Porch, a restaurant where ghost sightings are often on the menu. You’ll also hear the tale of Lavinia Fisher, the country’s first alleged female serial killer, who was executed in 1820 (in her wedding dress, ouch) and continues to haunt the residents of Charleston.

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Is the Treasure Coast haunted? Check out these locations to experience Halloween haunts

Spooky season is here. With Halloween coming up on Tuesday, a good haunt and jumpscare are all the rage.

In Florida, Halloween lovers can get their spook on at various amusement park seasonal events such as Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights and Walt Disney World's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

However, you still can stay on the Treasure Coast to get your Halloween haunting fix in time for the holiday season without driving to Orlando.

Ghost stories: 13 most haunted places on the Treasure Coast and their histories

Here are three of the most haunted places on the Treasure Coast.

Indian River County

The former fellsmere public school.

A boy named Billy reportedly haunts the  Fellsmere Public School , built in 1916, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and refurbished for city offices in 2010.

Ghost stories include one from a cleaning woman who reported seeing a boy in old-time clothing sitting on the steps. She also reported her stuff moved around, her broom was grabbed and pebbles were thrown at her.

While in the basement, Larry Lawson, owner and operator of Indian River Hauntings, and his team reported hearing someone descending the stairs and rattling the doorknob. In the third-floor auditorium, they asked Billy if it was his favorite room and recorded an electronic voice phenomena reply.

"Clear as a bell, you hear a young boy say, 'Yes, sir,'"  Lawson told TCPalm in 2019 .

Martin County

Gilbert’s bar house of refuge in stuart.

Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge  on Hutchinson Island is said to be haunted by multiple spirits: the Ais Native American people ; pirate Capt. Don Pedro Gibert; Susan Bessey, co-keeper of the house from 1890-1902; and the men who died in the nearby Georges Valentine shipwreck.

As Martin County's oldest building, it housed shipwrecked passengers from 1876-1945, until the county bought it in the 1950s and turned it into a museum.

People have reported wailing voices; strange lights, especially when there’s a full moon; a black vessel drifting in the lagoon on dark nights with its gun ports glowing red; and a woman’s face in the upstairs-loft window, gazing longingly out to sea. On stormy nights, hazy white figures have been seen floating slowly along the beach.

Present-day housekeepers have reported smelling beef stew, though the kitchen has been unusable since the 1940s, and seeing nonexistent shards of broken mirror in an upstairs bed. Visitors claimed to have sensed something sinister when entering that room and heard strange knocking from the attic. That room now is off-limits to the public,

St. Lucie County

The devil’s tree in port st. lucie.

In the early 1990s, a priest reportedly exorcised The Devil’s Tree in today’s  Oak Hammock Park , where Crosstown Parkway meets Interstate 95.

Kids likely started the haunting rumors after two bodies were discovered there in 1977. Iowa teens Barbara Wilcox and Collette Goodenough went missing while hitchhiking to Florida in 1973. A hog hunter found their bones and teeth by the tree.

Local folklore holds that chainsaws and chopping tools won't work around the tree. The park's bathrooms are said to be haunted by the ghosts of the girls who died there. Visitors have reported a cold chill and slamming bathroom stall doors.

The murder scene was similar to the shallow graves found four years earlier near Blind Creek Beach on Hutchinson Island, containing the mutilated and decapitated remains of Susan Place, 16, and Georgia Jessup, 17, both of Broward County.

Martin County Sheriff Deputy Gerard Schaefer was found guilty of killing them and was implicated in 30 other deaths. Before he could be executed, he was knifed to death in 1995 by a fellow inmate at the Florida State Prison near Starke.

Learn about more Florida haunts

If going to sites that are haunted, whether designed to be that way like Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights or The Devil's Tree, you can read up about haunted places and their histories.

“Weird Florida”  by Charlie Carlson

“Historical Traveler’s Guide to Florida”  by Eliot Kleinberg

“The Haunt Hunter’s Guide to Florida”  by Joyce Elson Moore

“Ghosts of the Treasure Coast”  by Patrick and Patricia Mesmer, who run  Port Salerno Ghost Tours

Laurie K. Blandford  is TCPalm's  entertainment  reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Follow her on Twitter  @TCPalmLaurie  and Facebook  @ TCPalmLaurie . Email her at  [email protected] . Sign up for her What To Do in 772 weekly newsletter at  profile.tcpalm.com/newsletters/manage.

Gianna Montesano  is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at  [email protected] , 772-409-1429, or follow her on X (formerly Twitter)  @gonthescene .

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Three haunted spots on the Treasure Coast

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The haunted house that made me a scaredy-cat

It was a small-town fundraiser during a cool, clear October in the 1970s, but it’s a night that I’ll never forget.

Back then, Halloween activities involved more than a one-night candy-grab. To start, there were pumpkins to carve, without the benefit of kid-safe carving kits or elaborate stencils. On a bed of newspapers, we wielded sharp knives, piercing flesh, scooping guts, and carving orange skin into faces using triangles and squares. Lit up on front porches, Jack-o-lanterns gave off an eerie glow, along with the sickening stench of pumpkin meat cooking over candle flame.

Furthermore, Halloween costumes had to be planned, especially if you had to make your own like I did (which explains why I was “A Hobo” or “An Old Lady” year after year). But also, the phrase “Trick or Treat?” was taken quite literally back then. Just in case someone picked “trick,” kids practiced magic stunts, knock-knock jokes and dance moves before Halloween.

But on the night of the fundraiser, I wasn’t carving pumpkins, planning my costume, or practicing my trick. I was in my parents’ station wagon, on our way to the U.S. Junior Chamber (aka, Jaycees) “Haunted Jail House” event. Too young to stay home alone, my parents brought me along so they could help out. My mother volunteered to sell hot cocoa and cookies in the concessions booth and my father volunteered to play “Igor,” the hunch-backed assistant to Dr. Frankenstein.

After my father parked, we walked up Eighth Street toward the “Old Jail House.” All I knew about the creepy abandoned building was that it was our town’s jail back in the olden days.

Later in life, Google helped me learn that the ornate brick Italianate structure was built in 1887 to house the Sheriff and his family in the decorative street-side of the building and to imprison up to 32 criminals in the back. The main cells were located on four floors with long vertical barred windows, and the solitary confinement cells were in a basement dungeon.

“Typical of small town jails, [it] provided, in the same facility, overnight housing for drunks, fighters, vagrants and committers of a myriad of other minor wrongs, as well as those tried and convicted of major crimes . . . On fewer occasions, jail residents were awaiting the carrying out of the ultimate sentence of the courts — hanging,” the historical records read, explaining that the last execution took place inside the jail on November 23, 1913.

In a jovial mood, my father met up with other Jaycees, his hunting and golf buddies. He put on his burlap Igor costume and offered to show me around the old jail before the event started. “OK, Daddy,” I reluctantly agreed, sensing that he wanted me to be gutsy.

The next part is foggy, but I recall dark, filthy concrete walls. Metal bars. Rust. High ceilings that dripped. Echoing staircases. Insect carcasses. The smell of mildew. My father laughing. The undeniable feeling of agony, pain and fear.

I knew the people dressed in horrifying costumes in the old cells were just Jaycees pretending to be zombies, monsters and ax murderers. I knew the blood, guts and gore were fake. Regardless, it felt real, and it was the most terrifying moment of my young life.

The next thing I remember, I was sitting on the curb outside of the concessions booth, with my back to the jail, holding a cup of hot cocoa given to me by my mother. I had stifled my tears and screams in the jail, afraid to disappoint my father, but now, I gripped my cup tightly so as to hide the tremble in my hands. While people streamed in and out of the haunted jail that night, laughing and enjoying themselves, I waited stiffly, refusing to look back.

I’m not sure if I was simply too young, or if the old jail really was haunted, but the fear I experienced that night stayed with me. Nowadays, this scaredy-cat carves happy rather than angry jack-o’-lanterns. I wear funny rather than scary costumes. I watch psychological thrillers rather than horror.

And always, I pick hayrides over haunted houses, every time.

Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and in Lisa’s book, “The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com.” Email: [email protected]

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Eight Terrifying Haunts in the Northeast

It’s that time of year again! Haunted houses and hayrides are abuzz throughout the country--especially in the Northeast. We   are  home to the Salem Witch Trials, after all, so people tend to flock to our side of the country during the month of October. But hey! Lucky us that we’re already here! Whether you're planning a visit or you live nearby we’ve compiled a list of the very best (read: most terrifying!) haunted houses in the Northeast. What are you waiting for? It’s time to take to the streets for a good scare.

Okay, folks, this one really will make your skin crawl. Only the true thrill seekers and courageous at heart should attempt this one, as you'll quite literally be trembling through the haunted manors and   zombie  ridden   trails. Your journey of terror brings you through a series of areas, including The Scorched, The Butcher, Hobo Village, The Execution Center, Buried Alive Cemetery, The Outdoor Maze, the Boatyard, and, scariest of all, The Outlaws. Hauntedworld.com voted this one scariest in and around Maine… so beware.

The haunted dark circus of Nightmare Vermont will have you absolutely trembling. The venue? A cavernous abandoned grandstand at the Champlain Valley Exposition... as if that wasn't creepy enough on its own, the Nightmare staff has made the haunted experience so scary, participants actually need to sign a waiver to enter. A combination of live stage combat, a theatrical storyline, and interactive scares and special effects makes this haunted house one for the ages.

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The best halloween-ready airbnbs, from a historic salem home to a ‘haunted mansion’-inspired getaway.

Check into these bone-chilling spots around the world, including a spooky farmhouse in Gettysburg, cool castles and abodes that have been seen in 'Halloween' and ghost-hunter TV shows.

By Danielle Directo-Meston

Danielle Directo-Meston

E-Commerce Writer

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This story was created in paid partnership with Airbnb.

When real life isn’t scary enough, thrill seekers, ghost hunters and horror movie lovers can test their courage at some of Airbnb’s spookiest stays . In addition to Hollywood-famous spots , the vacation rental platform is home to some of the coolest, most unique getaways for those who want to get into the Halloween spirit — and yes, some claim that there are otherwordly residents who’ve yet to move out.

Prefer not to check into a spooky room? Airbnb also offers experiences for supernatural enthusiasts and film aficionados around the world, such as ghost tours in Hollywood , San Francisco , Rome , Paris and beyond.

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From destinations inspired by a beloved Disney theme park ride and abodes seen in Halloween and other movies or TV shows, to historic homes in Gettysburg and Salem, check out a handful of the best Airbnbs for last-minute Halloween getaways (or a memorable vacation any time of the year) below.

Haunted Mansion-Inspired Ghostly Retreat in Fullerton, Calif.

BOOK a Stay

Can’t wait to hurry back to your favorite Disney theme park attraction? Check into the Haunted Mansion ride-inspired Airbnb in Fullerton, Calif., just a stone’s throw away from Disneyland in Anaheim. Explore the four-bedroom, two-bathroom abode, complete with a séance-ready dining room; “light-hearted elements of illusion, sights and sounds”; a six-person jacuzzi; and even an appearance by Madame Leota herself.

Historic Civil War Farm House, Gettysburg, Penn.

Located in historic Gettysburg, the David Stewart Farm was used as a field hospital immediately after the Battle of Gettysburg, which claimed the lives of at least 7,000 and left more than 33,000 Union and Confederate soldiers injured. (Another 10,000 on both sides were captured or missing). So if American history gives you the heebie-jeebies, then this Airbnb is the perfect spooky stay, as it’s just a short drive to the battlefields and tourist attractions; Washington, D.C. is also about a 90-minute car ride away. According to the rental listing, superhost Stephani has lived in her home for 36 years, and she’s happy to share her own ghost experiences with anyone who asks. Her two dogs and four cats roam freely on the property, so keep that in mind if you have allergies.

Haunted Magnolia Hotel Bed & Breakfast in Seguin, Tex.

If you’re a superfan of supernatural TV series including Ghost Adventures , Paranormal Caught on Camera and Ghost Brothers , Airbnb hosts Jim Ghedi and Erin Wallace’s Haunted Magnolia Hotel B&B in the historic downtown district of Sequin, Tex. might look familiar. (Erin has even written a book about her haunted abode.) The bed and breakfast was originally built in the mid-1850s as a 10-room stagecoach stop, hotel, saloon, brothel and restaurant — with plenty of history to boot. Book your stay when they offer a guided ghost tour (which takes place one Saturday per month), or explore the 3,000-square-foot rental space to read about its history and see photos of past hotel owners.

As noted in the listing, skeptics are encouraged to “open your mind to the possibility that spirits may exist … Listen for their whispers, expect them to touch you and enjoy the tinkling, cold spots and/or warm spots and watch for shadow figures.” Above all, the hotel’s current owners add: “Please be kind and respectful to our resident spirits, they are simply people like you and me who have passed then chose to remain at our Magnolia Hotel.”

Henry Derby House in Salem, Mass.

Yet another East Coast respite, the seven-bedroom Henry Derby House was built for its namesake tailor in 1838. The Colonial-style house is within walking distance of Salem’s historical witch trial sites , museums and memorial. Airbnb superhost Phil notes, “The stairs will creak, the windows will rattle when it’s windy, and you may experience paranormal activity in the house during your stay.”

SugarMynt Gallery’s Scare BnB in South Pasadena, Calif.

Horror fans can get spend the night next door to Michael Myers’ home (which is now called the Century House) when they book a stay at SugarMynt Gallery’s Scare BnB . Movie-loving guests can get shut-eye in a room decked out in Halloween movie memorabilia and decor, and stroll past the historic home where John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 slasher was filmed. Walk across the street to get a glimpse of the bricked building that previously housed Nichol’s Hardware Store (where the fictional serial killer steals his murder weapons).

The Haunted Bedroom at Talliston in Great Dunmow, U.K.

Author and Airbnb superhost John Tarrow’s fantasy stories come to life at the Talliston House & Gardens, a “magical labyrinth of rooms, each set in a different time and place, 25 years in the making.” The immersive getaway in Great Dunmow, U.K., is home to the Scottish Art Nouveau-style “ Haunted bedroom ,” a 1940s rustic cabin room, a Moorish bedchamber , a Victorian living and dining room, a New Orleans-inspired kitchen, a Japanese teahouse and many other meticulously decorated spaces. In a word, a night in any of the manse’s quarters is sure to ignite your imagination.

Downtown Jackson Retreat Haunted Historic Hangout in Jackson, Calif.

Nestlied in California wine country, the Downtown Jackson Retreat is a Folk Victorian home that boasts period furniture to give guests a cozy, historic stay. Superhost Elsie writes that her spectral roommate is “actually very welcoming.” She notes, “The house is haunted but mostly you will just hear occasional bangs or stomps or other non-threatening activity. Sometimes a light or appliance won’t work one day, and it will work the next. Basically, we have an annoyance who has a bit of a trickster side, but as long as you respect the house and me, they are happy to have guests.”

Parks-Bowman Mansion in New Orleans, La.

Superhost Adrienne is the owner of the three-story Parks-Bowman Mansion in New Orleans, where your room will include a private balcony with breathtaking views, a queen bed and the opportunity to mingle with the ghost of “a young girl in a yellow dress from the 1890s.” The Airbnb is located in the heart of the Garden District, a paradise for history and architecture enthusiasts that’s just a few streetcar stops away from cool boutiques, restaurants, the Audubon Park and Zoo and plenty more attractions.

Laura’s Cottage in Savannah, Ga.

This 18th-century abode in Savannah’s Landmark Historic District is where Robert Redford’s 2010 movie, The Conspirator , was filmed and is “a favorite with local ghost tours,” according to owner and Airbnb superhost Vicki. Just a short walk from River Street and its many restaurants, museums, shopping and art galleries, the historic cottage is a respite for travelers who want an authentic stay in the Hostess City of the South.

Victorian Gothic Castle Mansion in Ellicott City, Md.

Seen in many films and Discovery Channel and A&E TV shows, the Lilburn Mansion is a historic Gothic and Romanesque Revival getaway in Maryland — and reportedly the home of a 19th-century ghost, as the Baltimore Sun once wrote . Even if you don’t run into “Margaret,” you’ll still get to take in the 160-year-old castle’s beautiful decor, relaxing pool, serene woods surroundings and nearby downtown Ellicott City.

The Haunted House in Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada

An 1885-built Victorian wonder awaits at the historic Beck House in Ontario, Canada. Built by lumber magnate Charles Beck, the mansion was once the town’s largest home, “the only one to have a slate roof, is one of the oldest still standing and of course haunted.” Writes superhost Brenda, “Whether you are a history buff or perhaps just ready to sleep in a haunted house you have come to the right place.”

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12 of the Best Spooky Halloween Towns on the East Coast

Posted on Last updated: October 4, 2023

Home » Holidays » Halloween » 12 of the Best Spooky Halloween Towns on the East Coast

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Are you looking for a fun place to go for Halloween this year? Keep scrolling to find out the best Halloween towns on the East Coast worth checking out.

This list of the best halloween towns on the east coast may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, i will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. all opinions remain my own..

Looking for the perfect place to celebrate Halloween this year? You’re in luck!

We have compiled a list of 12 of the best spooky Halloween towns on the East Coast. These towns are known for their eccentric decorations, spooky features, and famous haunted attractions.

There are so many great places to choose from, but we narrowed it down to these top spots. From Salem, MA, to New York City, there’s one waiting for you! The list includes small towns as well as large cities.

We even threw in a few other top Halloween destinations that will be sure to scare your pants off!

It’s never too early (or late) to start planning your perfect trip this year! Get ready because it’s going to be an amazing time full of memories that will last a lifetime.

So get excited because October 31st is just around the corner…and remember, don’t forget your costume!! Happy Haunting!!!

The Best East Coast Halloween Towns That Go All Out for Halloween

The towns that go all out for Halloween share several similarities in the annual events they hold, contests, attractions, or festivals. 

In Salem, the annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade is one you wouldn’t want to miss!

Other towns have costume contests, pumpkin contests, and related events for the month of October.

This is the best time of year to put on your favorite costume with friends and take a weekend trip to one of these spooky small towns.

What East Coast Town Does Halloween the Absolute Best?

Salem, massachusetts.

Salem, Massachusetts, is well known for its Halloween antics each year. The town is infamous for being one where witches dwelled long ago and were hung at the Salem Witch Trials.

Some believe the town itself is haunted, and many visitors opt to join a History & Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour to really get spooked. 

There’s also the Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour . This is a cool tour to do with older kids to supplement what they might have learned in school.

In Salem, there’s never a dull moment. There are always exciting things to do, from visiting witchy stores that have crystals to wandering through a well-known cemetery in the area. 

New England With Love dives deep into 13 amazing things to do in Salem , which is truly one of the best spooky small towns on the East Coast. It’s no wonder it’s one of the creepiest places to visit on Halloween.

Where to Stay in Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween

Hawthorne hotel.

The Hawthorne Hotel hosts The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, which features a night full of magic, music, and powerful rituals with special guests.

It’s also right next to the Salem Witch Museum. Check rates and more information .

Best Halloween Towns on the East Coast

New york city, new york.

New York City is the place to be for any holiday, especially Halloween. Each year there are a number of restaurants and storefronts that decorate their businesses to match the occasion. 

If you love the N.Y.C nightlife, on the night of Halloween, rooftop bars are what you should look out for! It’s one of the best places for Halloween parties.

One of the top things to do in New York City for Halloween is go on the New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village . This creepy tour features scary tales about celebrity ghosts, phantoms, missing children, and more.

There’s also the East Village Haunted Manhattan tour . The East Village in New York City is a great place to visit during the spookiest time of day—at night.

During this two-hour tour, you’ll hear about famous former residents and those who may have never departed.

Where to Stay in New York City for Halloween

The algonquin hotel.

The Algonquin Hotel may still be visited posthumously by poet Dorothy Parker, performer Harpo Marx, and playwright George Connell.

We stayed here a few years ago and didn’t see any ghosts, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there!

The hotel is well-known for its haunted history, as many children once claimed that Ms. Parker shushed them when they were too noisy. Check latest rates and more information .

Savannah, Georgia

If you’re on the hunt for the best cities for Halloween, Savannah is a must on that list. 

The city of Savannah, Georgia, and its residents are known to have outgoing decorations and events in preparation for Halloween.

One event to look out for is the Trick or Trot 5k run . It’s a perfect way to burn a few calories before devouring Halloween candy.

You’ll also want to get tickets for the Savannah Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour . The afterlife is still very much alive in Savannah. Experience the city on a Ghosts and Gravestones trolley ride through this grand old Southern town.

You’ll tour with your guide, passing former battlegrounds, historic cemeteries, and houses infiltrated by ghosts of deceased residents along the way as you learn about Savannah’s sinister deeds past from locals.

Where to Stay in Savannah, Georgia for Halloween

The marshall house.

One of the most haunted hotels in Savannah is The Marshall House . Because of its history as a hospital during the Civil War, guests at The Marshall House have reported seeing soldiers with missing limbs on their first floor.

It’s one of the best places to celebrate Halloween if you want to meet a ghost! Check latest rates and more information .

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of the best cities for Halloween is Philadelphia. The city is home to the Eastern State Penitentiary, known as one of the most haunted places in the entire United States.

I won’t go into detail about what happened behind those walls… Shudder!

If you’re really looking to get spooked by real and fake ghosts, you won’t want to miss experiencing Terror Behind the Walls, a full-immersion haunted house experience that you’ll never forget!

Philadephia is also one of the best places to go for Halloween for adults. That’s because it’s home to the Dark Philly Adult Night Tour . You’ll learn about R-rated sites such as vampires and pirate ghost ships while also exploring historical attractions that have been illuminated at night.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for Halloween

The bellevue hotel.

The Bellevue is infamous for being the most haunted hotel in Philly. Guests have reported a drop in temperature and something tugging on their covers (and toes) as they try to sleep.

It’s one of the best places to spend Halloween night. Check latest rates and more information .

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia is the place to be for a fun, family-friendly Halloween experience. The town is booming with excitement around the holiday season, from amazing festivals to fun costume parties.

One thing you cannot miss while you’re in Richmond for Halloween is the ghost tours.

With over 400 years of history, you better believe Richmond holds some truly eerie inhabitants. That’s why it’s one of the best places to visit during Halloween.

The Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour is a great option. Hear chilling ghost stories, learn about the Great Theatre Fire, and explore the old Executive Mansion.

There’s also the Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond . Check out one of the most-visited cemeteries in the United States. You’ll spot lots of gravestones of former presidents as well as fallen soldiers.

Where to Stay in Richmond, Virginia for Halloween

The berkeley hotel.

The Berkeley Hotel is one of the most haunted in Richmond. It’s said that you can hear stories about their founder and even a ghost who calls this place home, although they’ve passed on.

This is one of the most fun places to go for Halloween for a spooky night out. Check latest rates and more information .

Best Spooky Small Towns On the East Coast

Sleepy hollow, new york.

If you know the story behind Sleepy Hollow, then you know this is one of the best Halloween towns on the East Coast.

This town goes all out for this holiday celebration. If you happen to make your way here, look out for the incredible house decorations!

One event you absolutely must look forward to attending is the Halloween Parade !

Where to Stay in Sleepy Hollow, New York for Halloween

Tarrytown house estate.

The historic Tarrytown House Estate is located in the legendary village of Sleepy Hollow. The hotel was once made up of two 1840’s mansions that were later turned into a hotel.

And there have been claims by ghost investigators over its haunting nature as being “the most haunted place on earth.”

Plus, they have extensive Halloween packages for all types of travelers. Check latest rates and more information .

Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie, Pennsylvania is just that…eerie when it comes to Halloween celebrations. If you’re on the hunt for the best towns for Halloween, this is the place for you.

If you want a really good scare, check out their annual event, Zombies of the Corn .

Where to Stay in Erie, Pennsylvania for Halloween

Hotel conneaut.

This is by far the spookiest hotel near Erie. There was a fire that destroyed the hotel in 1943 (and a woman died on her honeymoon).

There was also a little boy who died riding his trike down the staircase. These are just a few of the ghosts you might encounter. Check the latest reviews and more information .

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a great place to visit as Halloween approaches. The city is one of the oldest in the country and contains a lot of haunted attractions to visit during this time of year.

Make sure to sign up for the Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour . Get a front-row seat to Charleston’s haunted history on an evening ghost and cemetery tour.

And the after-hours access lets you explore the famous Unitarian Church Graveyard without interruption from other visitors or pesky ghosts!

There’s also a Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor . This haunted Charleston catamaran cruise sails to sites on the harbor that you cannot see from land.

You can hear spooky stories about past history while enjoying a beverage, and as this is an alternative to traditional tours, it promises more fun!

Where to Stay in Charleston, South Carolina for Halloween

Annie’s bed and breakfast.

Annie’s Bed and Breakfast is a haunted house in Charleston that is rumored to still have a young girl ghost haunting its hallways. Check rates and availability.

Laconia, New Hampshire

Laconia, New Hampshire, is surprisingly a small town many avid Halloween lovers seem to miss around the holidays. The town boasts exciting events around Halloween, especially when it comes to festivals.

One festival that all the residents of Laconia and others on the East Coast look forward to annually is the NH Pumpkin Festival !

Where to Stay in Laconia, New Hampshire for Halloween

The hotel portsmouth.

The Hotel Portsmouth is a historical mansion turned hotel that has a haunting presence in its third-floor suite, 204.

Guests and staff have reported ice arrangements being made or piled up on the ground, as well as doors locking and unlocking themselves. It seems centered around this room. Check latest rates and more information .

Famous Cities Know For Their Halloween Celebrations Around the World

Las vegas, nevada.

Las Vegas is a great famous city to visit for Halloween. Though the city is best for adults during Halloween, there are several kid-friendly events as well!

One highly anticipated Halloween event for adults around Halloween is the 2022 Las Vegas Halloween Club Crawl .

Dublin, Ireland

Surprisingly, not many know that Dublin, Ireland is one of the best cities for Halloween. Residents of Ireland love this holiday where annual festivals are thrown, and costumes are worn all around.

The Bram Stoker Festival is one you definitely do not want to miss in Dublin, Ireland.

Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania, Romania, is one of the most famous cities for Halloween lovers. This city is known for having its longest resident, Dracula, live there. That’s why it’s one of the best cities to celebrate Halloween.

Oktoberfest is a traditional German festival many nearby countries host, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event you must attend!

Oaxaca, México

If you’re seeking a Halloween adventure with a different story, Mexico is the place to go.

Instead of Halloween, Oaxaca and many Mexican towns host a “Días de los Muertos” festival (Day of the Dead). This event is beautiful and exciting. This ultimate travel guide will be incredibly useful.

Places to go This Halloween FAQs

The city of Anoka, Minnesota is known as the “Halloween Capital of the World.” That’s because it was one of the first cities in America to put on a fun Halloween celebration that discouraged people from playing tricks or causing mischief. It’s one of the best places to go on Halloween.

There are tons of festive places to celebrate Halloween all across the world. Some of the top Halloween parties take place in Savannah, Georgia; Lahaina, Maui; Key West, Florida; and New York City. These are awesomely spooky Halloween places to visit.

Sort of. Every year the town of St. Helens, Oregon transforms itself for fans of “Halloweentown.” The film was shot in this real place, and every September through October 31, they host a celebration called Spirit Of HalloweeTOWN Festival. This is where people come from all over to celebrate Halloween like it’s never been celebrated before, as well as pay homage to their beloved children’s movie.

The top witchy towns on the East Coast include Salem, Massachusetts; Sleepy Hollow, New York; and Williamsburg, Virginia.

The best Halloween towns in New England are Salem, Massachusetts; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Stowe, Vermont.

Some other spooky places to visit in October are the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, the Stanley Hotel in Colorado, and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans.

These are the Best Halloween Towns on the East Coast of the U.S.

If you’re looking for something different to do this Halloween, you won’t be disappointed if you choose to visit any of these East Coast towns!

The East Coast has no shortage of towns that can offer you a spooky adventure when it comes to Halloween. Celebrating Halloween in any one of these towns is going to be a blast in 2021.

Whether your goal is taking in as many haunted houses as possible or just enjoying some downtime with friends, there are plenty of destinations for every preference.

Remember to wear your favorite costume and eat as much candy as you possibly can!

Looking for more places to go on Halloween? Find out the best Halloween vacations , Halloween traditions from around the world , and the spookiest Halloween hotels in the United States !

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Celebrate Halloween in SoCal with haunted theme parks and spooky music

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Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter . It’s Saturday, Oct. 28 . Here’s what you need to know to start your weekend:

• How to get spooky in SoCal this Halloween
• Why PCH in Malibu is getting more dangerous
• Why Gen Z is turned off by onscreen sex
• And here’s today’s e-newspaper

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You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Get your costumes ready and cue up Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Halloween is days away, and there’s no shortage of spooky events and attractions to enjoy around Southern California .

The holiday has grown bigger than trick-or-treating and costume parties. Some started celebrating nearly two months before the holiday at places like Disneyland, which kicked off its Halloween festivities on Sept. 1 — the unofficial first day of this year’s Halloween season, according to The Times’ Todd Martens. Halloween at Disneyland rivals — and sometimes exceeds — the Christmas season. This year, you’ll find an overlay of the Haunted Mansion themed to Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” a sold-out and ticketed evening party called the Oogie Boogie Bash, and decorations and ride makeovers across two parks.

“Americans have become Halloween-obsessed,” Todd wrote. “By the time Nov. 1 rolls around, it’s estimated that we’ll collectively have spent a record $12.2 billion-plus to celebrate Halloween this year, up almost $2 billion from last year, according to the National Retail Federation. And in a testament to how theme parks can shape and drive culture, we have them partly to thank — or blame.”

But it’s not just Disney leading the charge.

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights brings your favorite movie monsters to life with six mazes based on popular horror franchises, three scare zones and the Terror Tram experience. When you’re ready to leave the park, be prepared to face the sea of chainsaw-wielding villains that guard the exit.

In Buena Park, one of the longest-running large-scale Halloween events in L.A. County is the six-week-long makeover of Knott’s Berry Farm into Knott’s Scary Farm, now in its 50th year. The after-hours festival includes three new mazes, five scare zones and four shows. This year they have new “no-boo” necklaces for attendees who want to avoid a terror-filled evening.

If theme parks aren’t for you, buckle up and treat yourself to a driving tour of some of the spookiest film and TV houses . You can also challenge yourself in a haunted escape room at the Ministry of Peculiarities or celebrate from the comfort of your own home with the official De Los “espooky season” playlist.

Most local Halloween events end Oct. 31, but a few are running through early November. Currently celebrating 25 years of continuous operation, Reign of Terror has the distinction of being the single largest indoor haunted house in SoCal. The Thousand Oaks destination has 138 uniquely themed rooms that occupy 28,000 square feet of floor space, open through Nov. 4.

For more Halloween activities in SoCal, here’s a roundup of events and attractions to rattle and shake your bones.

The week’s biggest stories

• House Republicans unite , finally, to elect hard-right colleague Mike Johnson as speaker.
• Trump is fined $10,000 over a comment he made outside court in his New York civil fraud trial.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom discusses fentanyl and climate change during his China visit — and has a bumpy toboggan ride.
• California Supreme Court ends Disneyland’s fight against Anaheim wage law.

War in the Middle East

• Amid criticism, the Biden administration makes a plea for civilians trapped in Gaza under Israeli bombardment.
• Dave Chappelle tackles the Israel-Hamas war onstage with a mixed reaction that included early exits.
• ‘The left has really let us down.’ Why many American Jews feel abandoned.
• This California city is the first in the U.S. to officially back Palestinians , and accuses Israel of ‘ethnic cleansing.’
• A stone, a bullet, a burial. A Palestinian boy’s death in the West Bank signals wider unrest.

Maine mass shooting

• Who is Robert Card , the suspect in Maine’s deadliest mass shooting?
• ‘There’s no processing this’: A relative of two Maine shooting victims tells of hopes dashed.
• The new COVID vaccines are here : Now’s the time to get one, officials say.
• It’s scary season for kids’ teeth. Help keep them cavity-free with these tips.

Climate and environment

• Arrowhead bottled water company sues to continue piping from California forest.
• One of California’s riskiest volcanoes has been seeing more earthquakes. Is an eruption coming?
• Survivors of Mexico’s massive hurricane are desperate for aid.
• A U.N. report warns of catastrophic climate tipping points . California is nearing several.
• Feds say Colorado River water cuts are sufficient to stave off immediate risks.
• Heat, drought, floods, bad air: Will California’s Central Valley survive climate change ?
• A stretch of the Central California coast is about to be designated a marine sanctuary. What does that mean?
• Prosecutors fear LAPD gang unit scandal could jeopardize more than 300 cases, sources say.
• LAPD is considering a stronger body camera policy in light of recent scandals.

More big stories

• Cruise sidelines the entire U.S. robotaxi fleet to focus on rebuilding ‘public trust.’
• Thousands of actors sign a letter declaring they’d ‘rather stay on strike than take a bad deal.’
• California congressman offers a bill to allow striking workers to collect unemployment pay .
• What caused a speeding BMW to crash, killing 4 Pepperdine students? Dueling claims amid murder charges.
• Venezuelan immigrants are ostracized in Colombia amid xenophobia and shifting politics.
• A $7.5-million find: Overlooked Getty estate sale map turns out to be a 14th century treasure.
• Opinion: How Sedona, an epicenter of spiritual energy and an Arizona tourism mecca, came to fear and loathe tourists.
• The ‘mansion tax’ prevails in court as a judge dismisses a lawsuit challenging Measure ULA.
• Dov Charney, Milo Yiannopoulos, Kanye West and the battle over a Silver Lake compound.
• Embrace your inner Walter White by buying this San Jose home with an ‘inactive’ meth lab.

Get unlimited access to the Los Angeles Times. Subscribe here .

The week’s great reads

Behind the beauty, PCH in Malibu takes a deadly toll. Why it’s getting more dangerous. A Times analysis shows that despite various safety improvements, serious accidents along PCH have actually gotten more common. Data show 170 deaths and serious injuries to drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians between 2011 and 2023.

More great reads

• Long hours, low pay and mental trauma : Stars say reality TV is grueling and a union could help.
• Gen Z is turned off by onscreen sex , and wants no-mance over romance, a new study finds.
• A look at how Latino wealth varies by state.
• The hot Gen Z bar in L.A. is Barney’s Beanery. Wait, what?
• Review: ‘Priscilla,’ Sofia Coppola’s best movie in years, shimmers with beauty and heartbreak.

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to [email protected] .

For your weekend

• 👻 Celebrate spooky season with cumbia, EDM or hip-hop Halloween tours.
• ⛰️🥾 Avoid calamity — or worse — on your next hike by remembering these five basic tips.
• 👯 Three exciting new dance works for your L.A. weekend.
• 📺 Step aside, Coach Prime. Ethan Garbers could take center stage in UCLA vs. Colorado.
• 🗡️🪦 Demons, killer sloths, analog terror: The 13 best new horror movies to stream this Halloween.
• 🏈 USC vs. Cal four things to watch: Trojans still in Pac-12 title hunt.
• ✏️ Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games .

L.A. Affairs

Get wrapped up in tantalizing stories about dating, relationships and marriage.

Dating tragic men taught me something. I was tired of meeting losers. What happens to your dating life in Los Angeles when you always swipe right? I found out thanks to a series of first dates mostly with tragic men.

Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team

Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor Elvia Limón, multiplatform editor Laura Blasey, assistant editor

Check our top stories , topics and the latest articles on latimes.com .

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Visit the Valley's newest haunted attraction at American Celebration on Parade. Giant parade floats in the dark? Creepy enough, but there's so much more in store if you're brave enough to enter American Fright Night. All your fears come to life in our 40,000 square foot indoor haunted house. Enter at your own risk! Visit shenandoahcaverns.com for more information.

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BackWoods Haunted House in Dryden, Virginia

BackWoods Haunted House is Located in the backwoods hills of Dryden Virginia.... bringing fun,entertainment and scares to family's near and far.... Every year we choose a new theme and new layout of the haunt so you never know what to expect.... we try to be more of a hands on haunt meaning the victims "you" have to physically do things to get out before the ones haunting the ground decide you s... [ Read more ]

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Find the best and scariest haunted house in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Haunted Hunt Club Farm.  Hauntworld.com rates and reviews one of the best haunted houses in Virginia. Haunted Hunt Club Farm is the complete attraction!  Click here and read all the details about one of the Virginia Beach, Virginia area's biggest and scariest haunted attractions.

Virginia biggest and best haunted house is Darkwood Manor located in Luray Virgina not far from Washington DC area is the scariest haunted house attraction in Virginia read the full review at www.HauntWorld.com

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A rip current statement in effect for 5 regions in the area

🔐list: haunted houses & yard haunts in northeast florida sure to scare you into oblivion, sign up & sign in to your insider account for news, contests & more — it’s free.

Carianne Luter , Social Media Producer

Beware — you’re in for a scare!

Northeast Florida is home to multiple haunted houses and yard haunts that will make your heart race and your blood pressure rise. We created a local list of haunted houses — some of which are free — and yard haunts for locals to get into the Halloween spirit.

Check out the list below and let us know if we missed one at the bottom of the article!

😈 Daniel’s Dungeon of Haunted Horrors (free to attend!) 😈

Daniel’s Dungeon of Haunted Horrors is back and is celebrating 10 years of fear!

The iconic haunted house is located off Blanding Boulevard and is said to be one of the best local scares in our area! There will be candy and photo opportunities. The best part? It’s free!

Daniels Dungeon of Haunted Horrors was voted Jacksonville’s best haunted house in 2021. The free haunted house will be open on Oct. 28, 29 and 31 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Address: 2189 George Wythe Rd, Orange Park, FL 32073

Click here for more information.

👻 13th Floor Haunted House 👻

They’re baccckkkk! 👻🎃😈 13th Floor Halloween Haunted House will bring its gut-wrenching thrills to Jacksonville on select evenings starting Saturday, Sept. 16 through Nov. 4. Click here for tickets, dates and more. Address: 9230 Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL 32225

Also, did you watch Katie go through the haunted house for the first time? It was hilarious! Click here to watch her scream in horror!

💀 Stonebridge Haunted House (free to attend) 💀

The Haunted House on Stonebridge is back and scarier than ever!

This neighborhood haunted house will be open nightly from Friday, Oct. 27 through Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are over 20 scary theme areas, holographic frights, and around 25 animatronics that range from 5 feet to 12 feet!

“This year we are also setting up fundraising QR codes if folks want to donate to a few charities we have set up fundraising campaigns with including St. Jude,” the homeowner said. “We don’t charge admission but wanted to give people an option to donate to charity on behalf of the haunted house.” Address: 2528 Stonebridge Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32223

🚨 Sheriff Hardwick’s Haunted Jail 🚨

Back for a much anticipated third year, this year’s Haunted Jail takes you into three completely new scare zones: Slaughterhouse, Children of the Corn and The Exorcist. Children 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Jail doors open at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28. The Haunted Jail is conceptualized, organized and created by Sheriff’s Office employees as a fundraiser for the SJSO Special Teams Association Inc.

Tickets are $23. Address: 4025 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32095

🤡 Haunt Nights at Adventure Landing 🤡

Haunt Nights at Adventure Landing returns with two brand-new attractions: Coven and The Sideshow in 3D.

Tickets begin at $25. Address: 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

🌲 Terror on the Timber Farm 🌲

So this is more a haunted trail adventure than a haunted house -- but scares are scares! A unique Halloween experience will arrive for six nights only — Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28 — on the Timber Farm. Explore the dark and twisting paths, encountering creatures from your worst nightmares.

Click here to purchase tickets and learn more about the event.

Address: Amelia Shotgun Sports, 86300 Hot Shot Trl, Yulee, FL 32097

🎃 Pergamum in Orange Park 🎃

Pergamum: Where the dead come to life. This haunted house is open on Saturdays in October — Oct. 21 and Oct. 28.

Click here to purchase tickets and to secure your time slot.

Address: 2909 Barbara Ln, Orange Park, FL

Free Yard Haunts! 👻

Haunt on Harborton: Every Halloween, Ashley Thomas goes all-out decorating her yard. Last year, she joined an organization called Skeletons for St. Jude, a nonprofit. It is a nationwide effort to use Halloween haunts to raise money for St. Jude’s. All of the donations are made directly to St. Jude. Click here to donate! Address: 12986 Harborton Dr, Jacksonville, FL, 32224 United States, Florida

The South Street Freak Show 2023: The 5th annual South Street Freak Show is free for all to attend! But if you like what you see and want to donate, the one-man show set up a GoFundMe so they can come back bigger and better next year!

Wow! Check out this fabulous Halloween Haunted House on Jacksonville’s westside! Come out and take a look! Address: 6214 Graves St. 32210

This haunted home has decorations that are sure to scare! Address: 10640 Fox Squirrel Lane 32257 from 7:45 to 10 p.m. on 10/27 10/28 and 10/31.

This is a house at 1335 Azalea Drive 32205 off Park Street across from Boone Park. “This is the most decorated and elaborate house I have ever seen,” Insider Debbie Byrd said.

Did we miss a haunted house? Email [email protected] to get your haunt on the list.

Copyright 2023 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.

About the Author:

Carianne luter.

Carianne Luter is an Award-Winning Social Media Producer for News4Jax and has worked at Channel 4 since December 2015. She won "Best Social Media Engagement Strategy" during the Local Media Association 2022 Digital Innovation Awards. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a communication degree.

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Top Haunted Houses in the U.S., Ranked by Yelp Reviews

100 best haunted attractions in the u.s., ranked by yelp reviews.

"Darkness falls across the land. The midnight hour is close at hand. Creatures crawl in search of blood. To terrorize y'all's neighborhood."

If you are into "Thrillers," you have been counting down the days until haunted houses, mazes and attractions reopen in time for the Halloween season.

Some haunts are better than others, so we've turned to Yelp reviewers who love jump-scares to tell us which haunted attractions are the best in the U.S. These are places given between 3.5 and 5 stars and come with warnings to leave little kids at home. Based on their star rankings and number of reviews, we've ranked them leading you to the scariest haunted house in the country.

Ready to scream? These attractions are guaranteed to give you a fright.

96. Talon Falls Screampark

Location:  Melber, Kentucky

"The best haunted house I've ever been to. Worth driving a hundred miles for. Tip: It's a dry county, so bring your own pint of Fireball." — Carlos B. , Marion, Arkansas

Get tickets here .

95. Folklore Haunted House

Location:  Acworth, Georgia

"We came from Louisville, Kentucky, on our way to Gainesville. Upon Googling "best haunted house in Georgia," we were recommended to Folklore Haunted House, and man ... we are glad we came! [It was] $27 for three haunts and worth every penny. The detail that went into decorating each area, the craftsmanship in creating a unique environment for each character, and a group of actors who really give their all ... this was a great decision! The owner, upon learning we had come down from Waverly Hills, where we work, even came by to say hey. A great crew makes a good haunt unforgettable, and Folklore was certainly that!" — Jay R. , Louisville, Kentucky

94. The Fear Complex Haunted House

Location:  Colorado Springs, Colorado

"This was an awesome haunted house! You definitely get your money's worth out of the whole experience that lasted about 45 minutes. The costumes were fabulous; the special effects were truly haunting. The makeup on the characters was eerie. At one point, we had to dawn 3-D glasses!!!! Whoever created this haunted house definitely had some really cool nightmares; take your family, take your friends!" — Lona T. , Colorado Springs, Colorado

93. Creepy Hollow Haunted House

Location:  Rosaron, Texas

"WOW! I literally just made a Yelp account to write this review. I was blown away, not only by the amazing effects and actors but by the amazing staff! They made the experience so much more fun. We came pretty late and they didn't at all rush us to leave, and we shared a lot of laughs.

"I've been to my fair share of haunted houses, and this one exceeded my expectations. Probably the best in Houston! I 100,000 percent recommend going. Prices are super fair, and the scares are unbeatable. I peed my pants, and I have absolutely no regrets. If you can only visit one haunt this year, please please please go here! Also, it's a huge bonus that they donate a lot to charity." — Addison D. , Richmond, Texas

92. Rise Haunted House

Located:  Tickfaw, Louisiana

"I think I just went to the best haunted house(s) of my life!! #hauntedhayride #asylum — we did it all!! It's an hour from New Orleans, North of Mandeville — which makes it scary enough (LOL) — but it was amazing and worth the drive. Definitely do all three options if you can (Haunted House, Asylum and the Haunted Hayride)." — Amita R. , New Orleans, Louisiana

91. Fear Factory

Location:  Salt Lake City, Utah

"Super fun times with options for all! This is a huge closed-down factory turned into a haunted house. Pretty amazing. There were like four to five flights of stairs that anyone with difficulties might want to consider. Quite a few different themes throughout. Really enjoyed the smoky and lighting effects (epileptics beware). At one point, you're around five stories up on some grates with seethrough floors. Good fun all around." — Scott H. , Salt Lake City, Utah

90. HellsGate Haunted House

Location:  Lockport, Illinois

"Loved this place! I went here with a group of friends, and we had a blast. It was very cool walking through the forest to the haunted house. Actors interacted with us and made funny comments. You can tell so much work was put into the facility. I have had many poor haunted house experiences, but HellsGate definitely wasn't one of them. The detail put into the mansion was unbelievable! The different rooms were very cool and spooky. In my past haunted house experiences, I haven't gotten scared, but the actors at HellsGate scared me quite a few times. The staff was very friendly and polite to us. I completely recommend HellsGate!" — Vincent F. , Illinois

89. Factory of Terror

Location: Canton, Ohio

"Awesome! Excellent actors and special effects! So many surprises here! Very well organized. Highly recommend buying your tics online so you won't have to wait in line at the ticket window. We bought online and were glad we did. In my opinion, it's the best haunted attraction in the area. Loved the mechanical creatures, theatrical performances of actors and special effects. If you don't have a lot of time, buy the fast pass. You will be able to get through in just over an hour on a Sunday night." — Lisa C ., Akron, Ohio

Get tickets here . 

88. A Petrified Forest

Location:  Altamore Springs, Florida

"Come here every year, and the haunted houses are just so amazing. I've been to Halloween Horror Nights so many times, and A Petrified Forest totally beats all of those attractions (in my opinion). The haunted houses are long (five to seven minutes inside), the actors are REALLY good, the special effects are top-notch, and the layout of the houses is just unbeatable. I always end up losing my voice from the amount of screaming I do!" — Jenna L. , Orlando, Florida

87. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park

Location: San Diego, California

"I would 100 percent do this again or recommend to anyone looking for some Halloween fun. It's scary, won't lie. I screamed until I lost my voice. It's about a mile long so it's about 20 to 30 minutes of going through rooms with different themes, one of which was a real school bus, which I thought was super clever!

The characters don't touch you but they get pretty close; they can accidentally bump you, but they never touched a single one of us from our group. They send you out through the trail in groups of 20 or so, but it gets bunched up at times; makes sense when people are stopping cause they're scared." — Salina A. , El Cajon, California

86. Woods of Terror

Location:  Greensboro, North Carolina

"Once you get on the trail, it takes about an hour to walk through! By far the longest haunted trail I have ever been to. There are about six haunted houses, two pitch black mazes and the corn maze. Let me tell you the detail that goes into this thing is pretty extraordinary. The best way to describe it is the Disney World of horror places. They really think of everything. My favorites were the 3-D circus, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre house and the multi-horror movie area. The Pirate Ship was pretty awesome as well." — Holly K. , Raleigh, North Carolina

85. Hobb's Grove Halloween Haunt

Location:  Sanger, California

"It's the Disneyland of haunts as far as quality. But it's seemingly a low-budget transformation. You drive way into the middle of nowhere and park in a dark lot. There's no grand archway entrance. Just the overall scary environment. They never copy movie stuff. You'll see no Freddy  Kruger here. The line waits are super long on busy nights, but they have characters working the lines. The actors never come out of character so you're transformed into another place. Not all line characters are scary — a few are hilarious!" — Stephen M. , Fresno, California

84. Pennhurst Asylum

Location:  Spring City, Pennsylvania

"We just survived Pennhurst! My heart is still racing! The owners, operators, staff and actors are amazing, (Especially Frank!) The entire production was completely redone for 2022. If you thought you were scared in years past, you'll definitely wanna come back this year. It was by far better than I could have ever imagined. I recommend doing all three attractions." — Christina S. , San Francisco, California

83. Howl-O-Scream

Location:  Tampa, Florida

"There was barely any line traffic, and the staff did a great job with splitting groups so everyone can get the scares. There is no line traffic at all and theme-wise it's pretty good! The scare zones are also AMAZING, so interactive and the actors did a really good job. Food and drinks were great, not very hard liquor, but I prefer it that way for theme parks. As for shows, the show with the host of Howl-O-Scream was pretty cheesy and didn't put much effort into special effects. The best shows to watch are cirque x scream and the rolling bones! And there is a bar with food at the Rolling Bones show! Definitely planning on coming next year!" — Juliet D. , Miami, Florida

82. Halloween Horror Nights

Location:  Orlando, Florida

"Halloween Horror Nights is clearly the world-class Halloween theme park event worldwide. Universal Studios has access to classic IP horror properties such as Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Universal Monsters and so much more that rotate every year — the houses for these are extremely detailed and are like you're walking into the movie/tv sets themselves." — Frank L. , Mount Prospect, Illinois

81. Warehouse 31

Location: Pelham, Alabama

"If you like haunted houses, Warehouse 31 is a must see! This thing is huge, elaborate and has amazing actors! From the creepy guy that greets you as you enter, the little girl with the Raggedy Ann dolls, the crazy nurse and finally the freak jumping out when you are in the mine, this place was full of jump scares and overall weirdness! They also have cool 3D effects, karaoke, a bar, food trucks, an escape room and more! This is haunted house perfection!" — April R. , Homewood, Alabama

80. The Darkness

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri

"Is it possible to be addicted to a haunted house?? I think yes! I go here every year, sometimes multiple times. They change it up each year, so it never gets dull. They have fantastic actors that you see from the time you enter the parking lot as well as very high-tech animatronics. Scary Gary and Steve are by far the best. I get a picture with them every year. They also have escape rooms and a little museum and gift shop." — Gabrielle J. , Breckenridge Hills, Missouri

79. Nashville Nightmare

Location: Madison, Tennessee 

"YOU GUYS!! This was hands down the best haunted attraction experience I have ever had! YukYuk the clown was especially friendly and helpful while simultaneously being scary  The music, lights, and actors kept us entertained while we waited for the rest of our group to arrive My bf and an alien were "communicating" at one point. It was hilarious...There were a variety of themed walk-throughs that were actually scary and excellently decorated." — Beth-Leah S. , Tennessee

78. Bennett's Curse

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

"Our sixth year coming to Bennett's Curse (except the year that Baltimore City dropped the ball) and this was the best yet. There were more actors than ever and the new laser/smoke room is awesome.  The actors in the sanitarium were outstanding and really scared the h*ll out of my wife.  Great time was had by all and we will be back next year." — Robert E. , Severna, Maryland

77. The Haunted Mortuary

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

"This was the best Laser Tag Haunted House ever! You heard me right. Laser tag in a haunted house. The mortuary converted an old asylum into a haunted house for both Halloween and Christmas... We went to the Christmas one to shoot evil elves and Krampus. Soooo much fun!!... Well worth the money for a new adventure." — Dacia Z. , Wilmington, North Carolina

76. Barrett's Haunted Mansion

Location: Abington, Massachusetts 

"First time being here and it was awesome. We waited in line for an hour each, but the time flew because there were so many actors trying to scare us throughout the line. Excellent! Also the attractions were phenomenal and very detail oriented. They put so much effort into this and made my night. Definitely recommend best haunted house ever!!!" — Alexis J. , Massachusetts

75. The Devils Attic

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

"This is probably one of the best and well-thought-out haunted houses I've been to. From the moment you step out of the car, you begin to be immersed into cinematic horror. While you wait in line, some scare actors are present, getting you into the mood for this haunted attraction. Also, they are projecting some old horror movie clips, as well as some weird unusual clips. This house rolls with the punches one after the other, putting you right in the middle of some of the best and most iconic horror films of all time." — Abbey B. , Lexington, Kentucky

74. Sanctum of Horror

Location: Mesa, Arizona

"Have gone to Sanctum two years in a row — definitely my favorite haunted house in the area. Attention to detail with their makeup, props, special effects, etc., is fantastic. It was great last year, and they've improved quite a few things that made it even better this year." — Michelle M. , Jackson, Mississippi

73. The Stanley Hotel

Location: Estes Park, Colorado

"I highly recommend this tour for anyone who is into the paranormal. Our tour guide, Ian, was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the hotel, as well as its ghoulish friends. He was entertaining and friendly, and provided a one of kind experience. The tour takes you through all of the common areas, and you even get to test if the spirits are with you (we had an encounter, and it was wild)." —Linsey M.

72. Into the Dark Terror Vault

Location: San Francisco, California

"Hands-down, no contest the best haunted house I have ever been to. I've been here 3 years in a row, and the changes they make every year truly justify coming again and again. The performers all put so much work into their various crafts, you're always treated with respect, and you really can tell how invested everyone here is in ensuring you have an amazing time. You can opt for a glow necklace that tells performers they're allowed to touch you — they may grab you or jostle you gently, smell you, even spank you or paint your skin! You can of course opt out, and they'll always be respectful of that, too. Tickets could cost twice as much as they do, and I'd still jump to buy them every year." — Kyle W. , Fremont, California

71. Milburn's Haunted Manor

Location: Hubbard, Oregon

"The BEST, most terrifying haunted house that I have been to. Brilliantly conceived with two distinctly different haunts, this experience is well worth the trip from Portland. The drive there set the stage with the site being a very dark, isolated area. As you drive there, you pass a nearby cemetary and, then, you see the parking lot lights...and hear screams." — Jerald B. , Tualatin, Oregon

70. Haunted Overload

Location: Lee, New Hampshire

"One of the best Halloween experiences of my life. I am a bit of an enthusiast for these types of things. The art and creativity of Haunted Overload is second to none. From the otherworldly light displays, breathtaking designs, and of course the tremendous characters and costumes, it really is a haunted labyrinth experience like no other." — Livingston S. , Keene, New Hampshire

69. Reign of Terror Haunted House

Location: Thousand Oaks, California

"I am SO glad I made it to Reign of Terror. I was thoroughly blown away. The detail and uniqueness in all of the 130+ rooms (Yes, 130+ rooms!) was phenomenal. The maze has left a lasting impression on me like a reoccurring nightmare that shakes you to the core. Another review stated that Universal Horror Nights should take notes and agree 100 percent." — Joey S. , West Hollywood, California

68. Haunted Mansions of Albion

Location: Albion, Idaho

"I come here every year for Halloween! I love it! It's so spooky and exciting. Really puts you in the Halloween mood! It takes a while to go through all four houses so it's worth the drive and money. Would recommend everyone to try it at least once." — Stephanie L. , Heyburn, Idaho

67. Haunted Forest at Panic Point

Location: Youngsville, North Carolina

"You guys gotta check this place out if you love being scared. I've never been to a haunted forest or trail ever, and I can now proudly say Panic Point was everything I dreamed and more! Looking forward to come back and check out the haunted corns!!" — Alexis G. , Washington, D.C.

66. Rotten Manor

Location: Holly, Michigan

"My fiancée and I went in Oct '18 and haven't forgotten about it since. This place was top-notch, and I've been haunting in the Detroit area since I was a little tot in the '90s.

First, we were floored by the design of the building—done in Gothic style Victorian with the classic tapered Mansard roof. The rickety wood siding gave the house a classic haunted look...Second, the location... The eerie, quaint setting is unsettling on an October night.

Third, the acting is Tony award tier. All the talent inside had a story, accent, or some nuance that really elevated the sense of dread throughout the haunt. There are no cheap thrills here, everything had purpose and built up to a scare." — William F. , Tacoma, Washington

65. Hellscream Haunted House and Escape Rooms

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

"I have done a lot of escape room over the years and this place is the REAL DEAL. The rooms are exciting, challenging, creative, very unique, and 100 percent worth the money. I would also highly recommend choosing the scary option! The actors are awesome and might even help you out on your adventure ;)

The staff are professional, funny, and friendly. They provided me with one of the most positive escape room experiences I've had to date." — Brandt M. , Las Vegas, Nevada

64. The Beast

Location: Kansas City, Missouri

"This was absolutely one of the scariest haunted house experiences that I have ever encountered. Carolina haunted houses have nothing on the Kansas City thriller ... The Beast! I was very happy to find out that [Missourians] enjoy a nice scare. First and foremost, I certainly advise you buy your tickets before arriving. The line to get in is incredibly long, and it is very much so worth a few extra bucks to skip all this waiting. I really liked the fact that there were food vendors around on the corners of the streets (food trucks). This helps with the annoying wait time. But once you get inside, everything changes for the better. The actors working at the haunted house do an excellent job at keeping all of us on edge but without scaring us too badly. I was certainly glad to experience such a wonderfully terrifying experience. The art installations were phenomenal, and designs were very authentic. I would certainly go back next Halloween season!" — Zyven S. , San Francisco, California

63. Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park

Location: Smithville, Texas

"I hate scary things, scary movies, etc. but this was SO much fun.  We went with some friends who enjoy this stuff and we got there right at 7 (during daylight because I'm a wimp) and checked out the amazing museum. It's a $9 admit fee but well worth it. I got some great photos in there and the collection is impressive x1000." — Andria H. , Austin, Texas

62. Asylum and Hotel Fear

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

"This experience was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Asylum was the best, the characters were extremely talented and the theme from every room has you screaming until your hoarse. My heart is still pumping from the thrill of it. It was definitely worth the money! Lines are long so I recommend the VIP experience to skip the lines." —Tracy T., Spring Valley, Nevada

61. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium

"By far one of the coolest/creepiest places I have been to. I'm not a huge fan of ghost story stuff, but this place was cool. The night tour is a really cool feature. Things happened on the tour that I cannot explain. It was creepy and fascinating all at the same time." — Jimmy K. , Dallas, Texas

60. The 17th Door Haunt Experience

Location: Fullerton, California

"This place is no joke. From beginning to end, you are touched, grabbed, enclosed in small spaces, lifted and dropped into complete darkness, terrorized with live cockroaches, shocked, and if you're brave enough to push through every room, you'll leave completely drenched. (I don't recommend bringing your phones inside because of this last part.)" — McKenna A. , Huntington Beach, California

59. Insanitarium Haunted Attraction

Location: Pinson, Alabama

"I screamed a lot! I've done a lot of big production stuff with the expensive animatronics and this was as good or better...The group of adults we were with chickened out and asked for an exit.

One of the performers said "are you serious." We ducked ahead and just kept screaming/peeing." — Nikki C. , Trussville, Alabama

61. Macabre Cinema Haunted House

"One of the best haunts ever, and I've seen many! Came out from CA, grew up in KS. This was by far, the best of the trio offered in KC. Very dark, dank, just enough actors, decent props, decrepit old building perfect for a haunt! Can't believe these haunts are so long. If you scare easily, you may not make it through. This haunt was impressive, and I'm picky and not easily scared at all. Loved it! Great time!!!!!" — Jo N. , San Jose, California

57. Haunted Labyrinth

Location: Cranston, Rhode Island

"This is a pretty fun haunted house. This was our second year in a row coming here!  Each year it's a different theme so it's completely unpredictable and fun! You just don't know who or what will be lurking behind a curtain or door. You might not even know which door to open to escape a certain room. 

Strobe lights are flashing, things are slamming, noises are blasting, creatures are creeping and some are even sitting on the throne!! You seriously don't know what to expect!" — Jennifer M. , Tiverton, Rhode Island

56. Fearlandia

Location: Portland, Oregon

"This is an impressive haunted house! It's hard to strike that balance between adult-entertaining and (older) kid-friendly, but they did it! Lots of jump-scares and super cool optical illusions. Enthusiastic actors and staff and lots of creative touches. Easy options to exit if it gets to be too much. Special shout out to the Swamp Thing that entertained us as part of the pre-show. You are a riot!" — Molly N. , Portland, Oregon

55. DementedFX Haunted House

Location: Holyoke, Massachusetts 

"Great haunted house!!! They go all out and clearly are passionate about what they do. Great effects and great actors. Couldn't have had a better experience! They have TVs and a bar so that you're entertained in line and the haunted house is very much worth it!" — Sydney G. , Ellington, Connecticut

54. The Thirteenth Hour Haunted Attraction

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

"By far, this is the best haunted attraction I've been to in Indiana, and I have been to just about all of them. Themed, for the most part, not random from room to room with the typical characters.  Top-notch costumes and props.  All of the makeup actors were cleverly face masked to not ruin the vibe. From entrance to exit was just over 30 minutes. I recommend the fast pass for an extra $5 and buying the timed tickets the day before, or early the same day you are going." — Joe M. , Indianapolis, Indiana

53. Mysterious Mansion

Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

"I absolutely LOVED this experience! I love haunted houses and getting a good jump-scare, and that's exactly what this place provides. It's just off the main strip in downtown Gatlinburg, and in a perfect, creepy location. The appearance of the house and the props were excellent.

The actors working inside the house were amazing and scared me over and over again! Not recommended for small children who don't like jump-scares. If you happen to get pushed to the front of the group you are with, be prepared to scream a lot." — Rachel S. , Greensboro, North Carolina

52. Exiled – Trail of Tears

Location: Bonner Springs, Kansas

"Very fun alternative to the traditional haunted 'house"' format. Loved the entertainment throughout the waiting line, made the time pass much quicker! I really enjoyed the 'school bus' portion of the attraction! Make sure to wear warm/comfortable shoes! The owner Jeff spoke with us after we completed the course and was very nice and engaged with the entire experience. I will be back! Definitely recommend!!" — Alexandra S. , Overland Park, Kansas

51. The Bisbee Seance Room

Location: Bisbee, Arizona

"So crazy and real. My son said his brain hurts. We are all still trying to figure out what happened. This was the best part of our 14-day trip across the West Coast. I loved it and would give him 10 stars if I could." — Nina B. , Temecula, California

50. Blood Manor

Location: New York City

"Bear in mind that their attraction is relatively short, only 20 minutes, but you spend that time in motion going from scene to scene and dozens of different scares. The actors when we were there were very enthusiastic, and they were smart enough to realize my cousin was a scaredy-cat. They had fun honing in on her, much to everyone else's enjoyment." — Dennie C. , Englewood, New Jersey

49. Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses

Location: Ulster County, New York

"It starts with a hayride through the Forest. Along the trail, you see zombies and monsters alike. There is a 'Walker' on board that gives the history of the headless horseman. Following the hayride, you walk through a motel with lots of different scenarios. Next is a corn maze. It leads to more attractions and more scenarios. The monsters and zombies will pop up out of nowhere, but they do not touch. They follow and will scare." — Lili "Lisa" R. , Nassau County, New York

48. Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory

Location: Akron, Ohio

"Even though their sets are detailed immaculately, it still has a very old-school haunted house vibe, which I love. Some of the high-tech haunts nowadays go so over the top that it just doesn't feel authentic anymore. The Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory nails that authenticity. Old school haunted housing at it's finest!" — Brian J. , Traverse City, Michigan

47. Dread Hollow

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

"The VIP room is worth it as it's an experience in and of itself! Not only do you get front-of-the-line access, but you have your own lounge, and best of all, you get to control some of the scares in the haunt!" — Emily M. , New York City

46. Nightmare Haunted House

Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

"Went back last week so my mom and sister could experience it. They made it in ... and ran right back out! The staff was nice enough to let them retry it, and they made it in and right back out again. My mom said the first few steps had her terrified." — Shakeria J. , Jacksonville, Florida

45. Asylum 49

Location: Tooele, Utah

"My girlfriend and I managed to make it all the way through the first time together. Right when we got out, they RIPPED our hands apart and sent us right back in separate." — Jaden N. , Tyler, Texas

44. Scary Acres

Location: Hope, Rhode Island

"We make it a point to go to Scary Acres every year. They put on a great show. Good scares, great props and wonderful costumes and makeup. Be sure to spend the little bit more for the speed pass. " — Kristen R. , Walpole, Massachusetts

43. Frightmare Compound

Location: Denver, Colorado

"The visual experience alone was way more impressive than I was expecting, and this is definitely one of the better haunted houses I've ever been to. Scary enough to make me jump a number of times but also tame enough for my daughter to come with and still be able to sleep through the night, haha!" — Kenneth M. , Bradenton, Florida

42. Georgetown Morgue

Location: Seattle

"Seriously, what the hell did I get sprayed with? Spoiler alert: The clown has a REAL chainsaw." — Alyson L. , Burien, Washington

41. The Slaughterhouse

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

"Are you wanting to jump out of your skin? Wanting shivers down your spine? All of your fears coming true? Well, you're in the right place! This Haunted House is the best house in the Des Moines region! All of the cast is into their character. As soon as you step in the gate, you have people in your face, and the terror starts." — Kyle M. , Des Moines, Iowa

40. The Catacombs of St. Pascal's

Location: Chicago

"I waited 26 years before I ever went to a haunted house, and with this being my second year of going, I've got to say St. Pascal's had the perfect blend of the jump-out-at-you goblins and overall creepy vibe." — Bridget S. , Chicago

39. The Terrorfied Forest and Manor

Location: Pinckney, Michigan

"Was super scared about haunted anything. Braved it anyway. This place was a blast... worth it to buy the pack for house and forest. The monsters are a riot! Would definitely come back." — Tanya M. , Redford, Michigan

38. Niles Scream Park

Location: Niles, Michigan

"This was my first visit to a haunted house, and it did not disappoint! There were twists and turns that kept me on my toes and, more importantly, kept me entertained." — Kaylee B. , Benton Harbor, Michigan 

37. Wisconsin Fear Grounds

Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin

"I love this place,  you're entertained by ghouls and goblins and monsters while you're waiting in line to go into the place. Great place to take your love and hold her tight when the ghosts come running right at you all." — Smeet T. , Milwaukee

36. Trail of Terror

Location: Wallingford, Connecticut

"This was by far the best Halloween trail we've ever been on! A lot of thought and effort was put in each scene... different rooms had different things happening to you unexpectedly... What an AWESOME experience! I laughed... I jumped and screamed, all the actors did a fantastic job." — Quanieshia D. , East Hartford, Connecticut 

35. Reaper's Revenge

Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania

"I had a great time last weekend at Reaper's. Quality scares!!!! The cast is truly in character all the time. Even when you're not scared, they make you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. " — Anthony G. , Paramus, New Jersey 

34. 13th Gate

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

"The best word to describe it: 'WOW!' The attention to detail is insane!!! LIVE rodents and snakes... are you kidding me!?!? Amazing!!! The actors are great. The sets are better than Universal Studios Hollywood Horror Nights, and that's a freaking movie studio! The 13th Gate is simply mind-blowing." — Christine L. , Los Angeles

33. The Haunted World

Location: Nampa, Idaho

"I love going to this place every year! They really put a lot of thought and detail into the attraction, and it's always really fun to get scared and to see what they change every year." — Bryce F. , Boise, Idaho

32. Kersey Valley Spookywoods

Location: Archdale, North Carolina

"No longer just a haunted house, this is now a premier haunted attraction that's been featured on the Travel Channel. The makeup artists are incredible, as they make the actors look fantastic!" — Michael S. , Las Vegas

31. USS Nightmare

Location: Newport, Kentucky

"There are three different shows: lights up, for scaredy-cats; the regular show; and the special Extreme nights. If you decide halfway through that you can't handle it, there are exits throughout the house." — Adrianna B. , Cincinnati, Ohio

30. Hotel of Horror

Location: Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania

"It is downright scary, and you will love it. The rooms are all decorated with expert detail to inspire nightmares. The actors are very scary and truly do their job very well. We have kids who love to be scared, but if your kids are ambivalent, proceed with caution, as this is for older kids and younger ones only who really like to be scared. We screamed the entire time during both tours." — Marisa C. , Collingswood, New Jersey

29. The Dent Schoolhouse

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

"You have no idea how good a haunted house can be until you go to Dent. The makeup is amazing. The props are authentic, and it's difficult to tell what is real and what is not real." — John H. , Cincinnati

28. Darkside Haunted House

Location: Wading River, New York

"Really cool haunted house. A must go to. Worth the trip. Can't talk about details cause it would ruin the suspense. It is about 20 minutes long of just constant sheer terror... Scares the heck out of you!" — RICHARD P. , Westbury, New York

27. Fright Factory Haunted House

Location: Buckley, Washington

"Such a fun, horrifying time! Great job, Fright Factory. Reluctantly, I will be back next year." — Meghan B. , Snoqualmie, Washington

26. Scream Hollow Wicked Hallow

"This place is amazing. If twisted and spooky is your thing, this is a MUST if you live remotely in the area." — Keshante A. , Austin, Texas

25. Fright Kingdom

Location: Nashua, New Hampshire

"The grim haunted house was terrifying, as you couldn't see in front of your face and the walls shocked you. Half of the time, I couldn't tell what was real and what was fake throughout the haunts, which added to the suspense." — Olivia A. , Bedford, New Hampshire

24. Nightmare on 13th

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

"Nightmare on 13th was pretty freaking legit. It was so well done! The whole thing was just clever and creative, and I really appreciated it. It didn't seem cheap and tacky at all! The theming is cool, and the scares didn't seem to get repetitive to me at all. Also, the scares here are all in good fun, which I really liked. I never felt unsafe or that things went too far. It was just enough that I was screaming and laughing my way through the entire thing." — Courtney K. , Provo, Utah

23. Shocktoberfest

Location: Leesburg, Virginia

"I am pretty sure I lost my voice because of all the screaming I did. Yes, I was that girl that was freaking out." — Melissa N. , Key West, Florida 

22. Frightland

Location: Middletown, Delaware

"I love this place! What a great, but scary time. My fave is the barn. The hayride is great, too. It is just long enough and very high energy from all the monsters and things in the entire place." — Tom Z. , Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland 

21. Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse

Location: Bellport, New York

"Peek-a-boo!!! I promise you won't hear that unless it's coming from the undead and followed by a scream." — Jude J. , Nassau County, New York 

20. Paranoia Horror Maze

Location: Several locations

"This was really fun and scary! It's completely dark inside, and the only thing you have to go off of is a red light. I almost chickened out, but I survived." — Erica C. , Oakland Park, Florida 

19. The Dead End Hayride

Location: Wyoming, Minnesota

"The scale of this huge production is off the charts. There were so many different facets and moving parts, and during our time going through it, everything was flawless as far as I could see. The props went off at the exact times, and actors jumped out and interacted with our group right on cue. The costumed actors were great; they had tons of energy, and it made for a great experience." — Scott S. , Minneapolis, Minnesota

18. Hundred Acres Manor

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"You are very immersed in this haunted house for 45 minutes, both physically and mentally... Even the brave will be caught off guard and find themselves jumping in fright." — Jenna W. , Pittsburgh

17. Erebus Haunted House

Location: Pontiac, Michigan

"This place is legit! The actors were on point from the door. It's a three- or four-story in the dark, jump-scare experience." — Ericka B. , Detroit

16. Basement of the Dead

Location: Aurora, Illinois

"I enjoy a haunted house that preys on all of your senses, and Basement of the Dead is just that. There are smells, there are sights, there are weird sensations under your feet, blasting music or silence, depending on where you are in the house. Thankfully, no taste involved, but I wouldn't be surprised if they find a way to do it, eventually." — Amy R. , Naperville, Ilinois 

15. Dungeon of Doom

Location: Zion, Illinois

"This is definitely not a haunt for the family! If you are looking to experience fear, look no further. This haunt has a ton of jump scares and is 60 minutes of sheer terror! Great experience for the money! Totally recommend this house!" — Dan D. , Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 

14. Field of Screams

Location: Mountville, Pennsylvania

"Wow, this made me sweat. I'm a huge horror fan, haunted house season is my fave time of year. I went into this not knowing what to expect (due to mixed reviews), and this blew my mind. If you have a phobia, this place will cover it and make sure they rub it in deep. The full contact made this place so scary, and the haunted hayride... wow just wow." — Kerri B. , West Babylon, New York 

13. Scream-A-Geddon

Location: Dade City, Florida

"Great night of fear and fun. The characters/cast are phenomenal. The haunts are very good. Being part of the action by wearing a participation glow necklace makes the experience so much more." — Marlene V. , Bradenton, Florida

12. Dark Hour Haunted House

Location: Plano, Texas

"The best haunted house I've ever been to, and I've been to several. They are professionals at what they do here. You'll get a good scare! Very artistic; they make your environment feel as if you're in another world; great experience!" — S L. , Dallas, Texas

11. Haunted Plantation

Location: Waipahu, Hawaii

"I thought it was scary and fun! My boyfriend definitely had a good laugh (at me screaming). They have a lot of actors and a lot of attendants that lead you through the houses." — Jo C. , Honolulu, Hawaii

10. Laurels House of Horror

Location: Laurel, Maryland

"We have been to this haunt every year since it opened, and it just keeps getting bigger and better every year! The scare actors really get into their parts and are quite creepy sometimes. The sets are elaborate and very detailed. There are many confusing and disorienting parts in the mazes of rooms. Definitely worth the trip even if you've already been before!" — Jason S. , Glen Burnie, Maryland 

9. The Bates Motel

Location: Glen Mills, Pennsylvania

"Bates Motel is one of the better haunted attractions in the surrounding Pennsylvania area. The prices are fair, actors stay in character, and many of the props are very cool. During this visit, we did the hayride, maze and motel... The motel was the best attraction here." — Theresa R. , Lansdale, Pennsylvania 

8. The Haunted Hotel

"I was so terrified I closed my eyes the majority of the time. I also cried and wanted to throw up. Haha. With that said, they did a great job, but it was too scary for me. 5/5 stars for the actors and each scary room!" — Ashley C. , San Diego

7. Cutting Edge Haunted House

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

"Very spooky haunted house. Pleasantly surprised with how long it was. Highly recommend going here if you're looking for a solid fright." — Garrett A. , College Station, Texas 

6. House of Torment

Location: Morton Grove, Illinois

"Other than being scared out of my guts and being told I collectively screamed more than the three kids combined, I was beyond amazed by the creativity put in this place — a moving subway train compartment splattered in blood and radioactive props, a whole clown room with trippy lights, to name a few." — Chanpreet K. , Chicago, Illinois

5. Brighton Asylum

Location: Passaic, New Jersey

"I, a haunted house fanatic, have experienced my fair share of doomed dwellings. This asylum experience ranks among the best." — Grant E. , New York

4. Savage House

"Best haunted house I've been to. Ever. You guys [outdid] yourselves this year! I was thrilled last year when I gave this place a chance — never thought a Target parking lot could make me almost p**s my pants. But man, y'all nailed it this year." —  Sarah C. , San Diego

3. Netherworld Haunted House

Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia

"So scary! Screamed the whole time I was in there. So much so that some of the characters felt bad for me and gave me a fist bump at the end of the haunted house." — Ameila B. , Smoke Rise, Georgia 

2. Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"The mazes or rooms (whatever you want to call them) were terrifying! The props are top-notch, and everyone is really into character. I had so much fun, will definitely do this again!" — Rare R. , Linden, New Jersey 

1. 13th Floor Haunted House

"I love how the scarers come from anywhere here. Beside you, above you, below you, you just don't know. They also don't send too many people in one group, so you can really enjoy personalized scares for your group." — Laila R. , Burbank, California

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Each week, we look for the best that New Hampshire has to offer in our Viewers' Choice feature.

Halloween is approaching fast, so we have to know where the best haunted house or haunted attraction is in the Granite State! Which place spooks you the most? Please, let's stick to New Hampshire attractions. Thank you!

Let us know on our Facebook page . Voting ends at 9 a.m. Thursday, and we'll count up the votes and give you the winners the next day.

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These Are the Most Haunted Places in the US

By Caitlin Morton and Matt Ortile

We know the United States as the land of spacious skies and amber waves of grain, but it's also the land of ghosts. In the most haunted places in America, lingering spirits roam through the halls of hotels , abandoned asylums, Broadway theaters, and even a city zoo. If you want to get up close and personal with the paranormal, many of these sites offer guided tours through the spookiest of spaces—as well as overnight stays in the most haunted rooms in some of these hotels. (That's one way to capitalize on spirits stuck on our plane of existence, at least.)

If ghosts aren't your go-to travel buddies, fear not. Many of the below sites and the destinations where they are found offer enough culture, history, architectural wonders, and beautiful scenery to keep you firmly planted in this realm. Just be sure not to provoke the spirits as you go about your journeys.

Below, 32 of the most haunted places in America. Happy travels…

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Additional reporting by Randy Kalp and Jenna Scherer.

Bodie, California

In the 1870s and '80s, Bodie boomed when gold was found in the hills surrounding Mono Lake —at one point, it was home to 10,000 people. It's now a State Historic Park , with some parts of the town preserved in a state of "arrested decay"—think tables with place settings, and shops eerily stocked with supplies. It's not surprising that there are many reports of supernatural activity here, including ghost sightings and music playing from shuttered bars. There is also a legend that any visitor who takes anything from Bodie—even a rock—will be cursed with bad luck and health problems upon leaving.

Planning your visit: There are no food shops, gas stations, or other commercial facilities at Bodie in order to, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation , “preserve the ghost town atmosphere.” Prepare accordingly.

Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia

Those of you who remember the '90s will recognize this cemetery as the one featured in the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil . Like the book, the Savannah cemetery itself has a Southern Gothic atmosphere, with Spanish moss giving shade to time-worn Victorian monuments. There are many notable figures buried here, like singer Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken, but it's Gracie Watson who most deserves a visit. Having died at just six years old, her grave is marked by a life-size marble statue with her hand resting on a tree stump, symbolizing her life cut short. Many visitors place toys at her grave when they visit, and some have reported seeing the ghost of Gracie near the site. Other spooky accounts of the Bonaventure include inexplicable sounds, like crying babies and barking dogs, and statues suddenly smiling as people approach them.

Planning your visit: The Bonaventure Historical Society offers guided tours and, if you're looking for a particular gravesite, instructions that will point you where you need to go.

Cahawba, Alabama

Alabama's first capital and famous ghost town takes its name from the state's longest river, situated at the confluence of the Cahaba and the Alabama. It was abandoned after the Civil War, and its empty buildings, slave burial ground, and eerie cemeteries are now popular settings for ghost tours and stories of paranormal activity. The most famous tale is that of a luminous floating orb appearing in the former garden maze of Colonel C.C. Pegues’s house, shortly after the colonel had been killed in battle. The phenomenon became known as "Pegues’s Ghost," and still attracts curious visitors to the site today.

Planning your visit: Since Cahawba is a ghost town, you'll want to make your base elsewhere—driving from nearby Selma takes just 20 minutes, and the nearest airport is Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), about an hour away.

Calcasieu Courthouse, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Toni Jo Henry was a former sex worker who reached national levels of infamy when she killed a man in cold blood in 1940. It took three trials for a jury to convict the "charming" Toni Jo, but she eventually became the first (and only) woman in Louisiana to be executed in the electric chair. However, her spirit is said to have remained in the courthouse, where workers can feel her presence and even smell her burning hair. Many claim she meddles with everyday life at the courthouse to make life more difficult for the employees, locking doors and fiddling with office equipment.

Planning your visit: For your travel companions too creeped our to visit the courthouse? Send them to Lake Charles, North Beach, a naturally occurring inland stretch of white sand that's perfect for picnics, swimming, and, well, long walks on the beach.

Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Since its construction in 1886, the Crescent Hotel has served several purposes: luxury resort, conservatory for young women, junior college. But the strangest mark on its history came in 1937 when it got a new owner, Norman G. Baker. Baker was a millionaire inventor who decided to pose as a doctor (despite having no medical training) and turn the hotel into a hospital that could "cure" cancer. He was eventually exposed and run out of town, though reports say that his spirit found its way back to the site—and gained some otherworldly company, too. The now-operating Crescent Hotel is said to be haunted by at least eight ghosts , ranging from a five-year-old girl to a bearded man wearing Victorian clothing.

Planning your visit: If you really want a spirited night at the Crescent Hotel , you can book Room 218, a.k.a. Michael's Room, the most paranormally active address on the property—and, according to the hotel website, the one most frequently requested by bold and brave guests. (If you need a buddy, the room sleeps two, for what it's worth.)

Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, South Carolina

One of the oldest theaters in America, this site in downtown Charleston has racked up a lot of tumult and history over the years. After a fire burned down the original theater, the Planters Inn was built on the spot; it was converted back to a theater in the 1930s. The most flamboyant ghost here is Nettie Dickerson, who, legend has it, was struck by lightning while standing on the balcony of the hotel. Her shadow has been reported gliding along the second floor of the theater, dressed in a red gown. Also in otherworldly attendance: Junius Brutus Booth, a renowned 19th-century actor (and the father of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth) who used to frequent the inn.

Planning your visit: The Dock Street Theatre is right in the middle of the French Quarter, in Charleston's original walled city. You'll have your pick of restaurants and hotels in the area after catching a show (or a ghost sighting); the elegantly timeless French Quarter Inn is a Readers' Choice Awards favorite.

Caitlin Morton

The Driskill, Austin, Texas

The Driskill is a majestic Romanesque hotel with modern rooms and an iconic brick facade, drawing European tourists and wedding parties since 1886. It's a true Austin landmark—and according to some, a true hot-spot for ghosts. Travelers have noted eerily abnormal sounds through its ornate corridors, as well as phantom sightings of the hotel’s namesake, Jesse Driskill, whose portrait still hangs in the lobby. They say Driskill never recovered from the heartbreak of losing his hotel in a high-stakes poker game, and honestly, we get it: This spot would be a hard one to say goodbye to.

Planning your visit: The Driskill is a stone's throw away from the Colorado River bisecting the city: Just walk down Congress Avenue and you'll hit the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail , which offers fantastic views of both the water and the city.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The castle-like Eastern State Penitentiary took solitary confinement to new levels when it was built in 1829. Prisoners lived alone, exercised alone, and ate alone; when an inmate left his cell, a guard would cover his head with a hood so he couldn't see or be seen. The prison had to abandon its solitary system due to overcrowding from 1913 until it closed in 1970, although the forms of punishment did not get any less severe (chaining an inmate's tongue to his wrists is one example). The site—one of the most haunted places in America—now welcomes thousands of visitors every year, both for its museum and annual Halloween celebrations, which feature 15 haunted attractions within the prison walls. Reported paranormal happenings have included disembodied laughter, shadowy figures, and pacing footsteps.

Planning your visit: The Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc., the nonprofit organization that keeps the Penitentiary open as a tourist site, goes all in on Halloween. If you're visiting in October, be sure to review all the need-to-knows on their site.

Emily's Bridge, Stowe, Vermont

New England is known for its lovely covered bridges, but some are more likely to elicit dread than delight. Take Emily's Bridge in Stowe , for example, a 50-foot-long bridge that is said to be the site of a young woman's death by suicide in the mid-1800s. According to legend, the woman (Emily) was supposed to meet her lover at the bridge to elope, but ended up hanging herself from the rafters when he never showed up. Today, Emily's ghost is said to maliciously haunt the site, clawing at passing cars and even scratching the backs of pedestrians until they bleed. There are slightly less menacing spooks as well, like images of a white apparition and strange voices and footsteps coming from the tunnel.

Planning your visit: If you drive up to the bridge and can't bear to go in? Re-route. In the fall, Stowe is a fantastic place to go leaf peeping , and in the winter, it's one of New England's bona fide ski capitals; the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge is just 15 minutes away from Emily's Bridge by car, for a safe retreat.

Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania

The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest in American history, with somewhere around 50,000 young men dying in the three-day conflict. Many of the soldiers never received a proper burial after their untimely deaths, and many believe the souls of these men now wander the battlefield to look for their weapons and comrades.

Planning your visit: If you do choose to wander the fields, the National Park Service encourages visitors to Gettysburg National Military Park to be mindful of deer ticks, especially when the insects are most active in the late spring to early fall. Follow traditional protective measures like wearing insect repellent and pants.

Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii

If flight delays and $13 sandwiches aren't enough to make you fear airports, Honolulu 's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (also called Honolulu International Airport) has an extra feature to strike fear in even the most intrepid of travelers: a resident ghost. Dubbed “the Lady in Waiting,” the apparition is a blonde woman in a white dress who shows up in off-limits areas of the airport. According to legend, the woman fell in love with a man who promised to marry her (while she was still alive, of course), but then he hopped on an international flight and abandoned her at the gate—her ghost is still waiting for him to return. People have reported other strange occurrences as well, like toilet paper rolls that unravel on their own and toilets that flush by themselves. (Although when it comes to airport bathrooms, we've seen a lot scarier.)

Planning your visit: Since the airport's Lady in Waiting is said to show up in places usually inaccessible to travelers, you'd probably be better off actually, you know, leaving the airport and seeing Hawaii. Perhaps a stay at the Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort ? It was voted the best resort in Hawaii in this year's Readers' Choice Awards .

Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff's Hotel Monte Vista has its fair share of paranormal guests who have truly overstayed their welcome, including a long-term boarder who had a habit of hanging raw meat from the chandelier in Room 210; two women who were also thrown from the third floor and allegedly now attempt to asphyxiate male guests in their sleep. There are also reports of an infant whose disturbing cries have sent staff members running upstairs from the basement. (Actor John Wayne even claims to have had a paranormal encounter here.)

Planning your visit: When you need a break from ghosthunting (or ghostbusting), there's plenty to do in Historic Downtown Flagstaff, where the Hotel Monte Vista stands. Among them: Nearby restaurants Atria and Brix are perfect for locavores who love a menu that rotates with the seasons (and none of it hangs from a chandelier here).

House of the Seven Gables, Salem, Massachusetts

No, this house did not steal its name from the classic novel—in fact, it inspired the novel. Aside from being the site of those famous witch trials, Salem also happens to be the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne, who used this 17th-century house as inspiration for his famous 1851 novel, The House of the Seven Gables . Aside from its beautiful-yet-spooky facade, the house is surrounded by tales of paranormal activity and ghost sightings (all based on personal experiences of staff).

Planning your visit: Every October, the house offers spooky tours as well as performances of their “ Haunted Fables at the Gables ." There are daytime options as well as nighttime options for the brave of heart. And late in the month, the programming becomes dedicated to an interactive theater experience called Daemonologie: Sinew & Soul .

Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois

Lions, and tigers, and…ghosts? As it turns out, one of Chicago's most popular attractions is also one of its most haunted, with much more than just chimpanzees roaming the grounds. From the 1840s to '50s, the heart of Lincoln Park served as the city cemetery, housing some 35,000 bodies . The cemetery was eventually moved due to its proximity to the city's water supply, and most of the bodies—but not all of them—were moved along with it. If you've ever seen a horror movie, you know that messing with burial grounds is the easiest way to get haunted, and the Lincoln Park Zoo is no exception. As if walking above several thousand corpses isn't creepy enough, famed parapsychologist Ursula Bielski once called the area (in its current state) “without a doubt the most active site I’ve investigated”—and people have reported seeing ghosts there since it opened in 150 years ago.

Planning your visit: The Lincoln Park Zoo is free—no admission fees are required. Opening hours change with the season, so be sure to double check so you don't get locked out of the park (or locked in).

Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts

Without a doubt, the most famous haunted bed and breakfast in New England is the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River. For those unfamiliar with the story (or the macabre jump-rope rhyme), police accused Borden of brutally killing her father and stepmother with a hatchet in 1892; she was acquitted of the murders later that year. At the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast Museum, visitors can tour the house or spend the night, even staying in the room where Abby Borden was killed. Guests and employees have reported all kinds of strange activity in the house, including weeping and footstep sounds, an apparition in Victorian-era clothing wandering the halls, doors opening and closing, and muffled conversations coming from vacant rooms.

Planning your visit: Since the Lizzie Borden House has only six rooms available for booking on any given night, you might find yourself with no room at the inn, as it were. Don't fret: Just drive 30 minutes and cross state lines to Providence , Rhode Island, where a bevy of plush hotels like the Graduate await (hauntings not guaranteed).

The Mark Twain House, Hartford, Connecticut

Mark Twain lived in this Hartford house from 1874 to 1891, during which time he wrote both The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer . The landmark now serves as a museum that showcases the iconic author’s life and work. It’s also an excellent place to experience the paranormal, apparently, as visitors have reported things like odd noises and a woman in white (isn’t it always?). The billiard room is considered the most haunted spot in the house—it is where Twain used to sit and smoke cigars, and some claim they can smell smoke wafting through the air as they pass through.

Planning your visit: The Mark Twain House and Museum website highly recommends booking timed tickets in advance of your visit. And if you're looking for another equally historical house tour, the home of the writer and abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe is just a one-minute walk away, around the corner from Twain's.

Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan

With its 16 floors, over a thousand rooms, and Gothic facade, the Masonic Temple is one of the most imposing additions to Detroit 's skyline. According to rumors, there's also more to it than meets the eye, like hidden passageways and staircases. The most famous urban myth associated with the Temple, however, is that of its architect, George D. Mason: Legend has it that Mason went bankrupt funding the construction and then leapt to his death from the roof. You'll be hard-pressed to find facts to back up this tale, but it certainly does help explain reports of a ghost climbing the steps to the roof of the building.

Planning your visit: The Masonic Temple maintains an active events calendar for its theaters and ballroom. There are guided tours as well, though they're subject to staff availability,—be sure to consult the calendar and get tickets ahead of time.

The Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah, Nevada

The Mizpah Hotel opened in 1907 as one of Nevada's first luxury hotels, complete with solid granite walls and Victorian-era decor, and it was fully restored in 2011. But the swanky hotel has a history as blood-red as its scarlet furnishings—one it proudly embraces. Legend has it that a woman died on the fifth floor, and her soul never left the building. The "Lady in Red" now reportedly makes her presence known by whispering in men's ears and leaving pearls from her broken necklace on guests' pillows.

Planning your visit: The Mizpah Hotel isn't creepy enough for you? Walk 10 minutes up along Main Street and stop by The World Famous Clown Motel , which is exactly what it says on the tin. If that weren't enough, its tagline is “America's Scariest Motel.”

Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, Ohio

Opened in 1896, the Ohio State Reformatory is famous for its Gothic facade and ominous six-story cell block. But its greatest claim to fame is when it served as the filming location for The Shawshank Redemption —though, to be clear, the prison was shrouded in terror long before Red and Andy holed up there. The reformatory closed in 1990 due to overcrowding and inhumane conditions, but not before more than a total of 200 people (including two guards) died in the building. Legend says that the ghosts of several former inmates still roam the halls, as well as an old guard who jabs people with his nightstick.

Planning your visit: There are various ways for visitors to experience the hauntings first-hand at the Reformatory, from two-hour guided tours to private paranormal investigations. The site also plays host to an annual music and tattoo festival called InkCarceration .

One if by Land, Two if by Sea, New York City

One if by Land, Two if by Sea has all the makings of a perfect evening: gold chandeliers, fireside tables, upper-crust cuisine… and about 20 ghosts. The spirits are reportedly more playful than malicious—paranormal activities are classic phantom pranks like flickering lights, tilting picture frames, and moving plates. Some of the most famous apparitions guests have claimed to see include a woman dressed in black who walks down the staircase and a Ziegfeld follies girl. Other people claim that Aaron Burr haunts the restaurant—it was his carriage house back in the day, after all. Sadly, there are no reports of him performing any songs from the Hamilton soundtrack.

Planning your visit: Given the fame it has as one of the world's most romantic restaurants, reservations are a must. And for a truly swoon-worthy evening, book a room nearby at The Marlton Hotel , a New York City classic, right off of Washington Square Park .

Pine Barrens, New Jersey

The heavily forested Pine Barrens spans over 1 million acres and seven counties in New Jersey. The area thrived during the Colonial period, host to sawmills, paper mills, and other industries. People eventually abandoned the mills and surrounding villages when coal was discovered to the west in Pennsylvania, leaving behind ghost towns—and, some say, a few supernatural wanderers. The most popular Pine Barrens resident is without a doubt the Jersey Devil. According to legend , the creature was born in 1735 to Deborah Leeds (her 13th child) with leathery wings, a goat's head, and hooves. It flew up the Leeds' chimney and into the Barrens, where it has reportedly been killing livestock—and creeping out South Jersey residents—ever since. ( The Sopranos ' fans will recognize the vast woodlands from the namesake Season 3 episode, which was anxiety-inducing in its own right.)

Planning your visit: To say that the Pine Barrens are huge is to understate the fact. It can be easy to get lost—as TV characters Christopher Moltisanti and Paulie learned the hard way. If you want to go exploring, stay in your vehicle or at the very least stay close to roads and campgrounds.

Pittock Mansion, Portland, Oregon

Oregonian pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock decided to build their dream house when they reached their golden years, in 1909, spurring the innovative design and construction of the Pittock Mansion . Unfortunately, the couple only got to enjoy their home for a few years before passing away—Georgiana in 1918 and Henry in 1919. The building is now a public landmark where some strange occurrences have been reported, such as the smell of roses (Georgiana's favorite bloom) filling a room with no flowers in it, and a childhood painting of Henry moving, on its own, from spot to spot within the house. Clearly, death was not enough of a reason for the Pittocks to vacate their beloved home.

Planning your visit: Be mindful of the Mansion's opening hours , which vary throughout the year. Virtual tours are also offered. In addition to tours, temporary exhibits and permanent collections that celebrate local Oregon history and culture are also on display at the house.

Red Onion Saloon, Skagway, Alaska

Established in 1898 as a brothel for miners during the Klondike Gold Rush, Alaska's Red Onion Saloon had a feature that set it apart from other bordellos: It used dolls to help run its business. (Always a good sign.) Every day, 10 dolls would be placed on the bar downstairs, each one representing one of the ladies working in the upstairs rooms. A customer would choose one of the dolls, at which point it was laid down on the bar to indicate that the corresponding worker was occupied. When the customer came back downstairs, the doll would be returned to her sitting position to let other potential clients know she was available. Fast-forward to 2023, and the Red Onion Saloon still operates as a bar and restaurant (yep, the dolls are still on display), and offers tours of the upstairs rooms, which are preserved as a sort of makeshift brothel museum. As if licentious dolls weren't creepy enough, there are reports of Lydia—a former madam of the brothel—haunting the site, complete with cold spots and lingering smells of perfume wafting through the halls.

Planning your visit: There's no super easy way to get up to Skagway, but it is set along the Inside Passage, a popular coastal route for cruise ships traveling through the North American Pacific Fjordland. If you want to pay a visit, look for a sailing that has a shore day in Skagway.

RMS Queen Mary , Long Beach, California

Aside from a brief stint as a war ship in World War II, the RMS Queen Mary served as a luxury ocean liner from 1936 to 1967. During that time, it was the site of at least one murder, a sailor being crushed to death by a door in the engine room, and children drowning in the pool. The city of Long Beach purchased the ship in 1967 and turned it into a hotel , and it still serves that purpose today—although the reported ghosts of the deceased passengers get to stay for free. (For an extra dose of spine-tingling experiences, see if you can visit the ship's engine room, which is considered by many to be a "hotbed" of paranormal activity.)

Planning your visit: In addition to overnight stays at the guest rooms , there are tours and exhibits on offer on the Queen Mary. An experience called The Grey Ghost Project allegedly takes “a skeptical- and evidence-based approach to investigating the supernatural." The Steam and Steel Tour, meanwhile, brings you close to the ship's massive engine rooms.

San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Texas

The oldest church in Texas holds El Mariachi Mass on Sunday, and is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. But come nightfall, you'd have to be something of a daredevil to enter its myth-ridden grounds . When construction workers started renovating the church in 1936, they unearthed bones, nails, and tattered military uniforms near the altar, which some believe belonged to three soldiers of the Alamo. Since the disturbing incident, visitors have reported shadowy figures and orbs in their photographs, as well as ghosts in the back of the church itself . Such otherworldly inhabitants include a man dressed in black and figures in hooded, monk-like clothing.

Planning your visit: Be mindful of the mass times and confession hours should you decide to drop by during the day. Once you've paid a visit, head to the San Antonio River Walk , which is right outside the church, for some bites, people-watching, and maybe even a boat tour .

Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Norwalk, Connecticut

Built in 1868 to help ships reach Connecticut's Sheffield Island (a 45-minute ferry ride from South Norwalk), this 10-room, Victorian-style lighthouse has a bit of a troubled past. In 1972, the lighthouse's original keeper died suddenly while watching passing ships with a spyglass; his death was never fully explained. Then, in 1991, an archaeologist working on historic site preservation reported several mysterious happenings, including mystical music coming from the shores, distant cries for help, and the sound of a foghorn—despite there being no foghorn on the island. Many believe the sounds were the work of the ghost of Captain Robert Sheffield, who originally purchased the islands in the early 1800s (and apparently had a knack for weird musical instruments).

Planning your visit: Today, Sheffield Island Lighthouse offers guided group tours from May through September. For a truly picturesque afternoon out on the water, try a sunset cruise that leaves from South Norwalk.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel 's stately Georgian architecture and world-renowned whiskey bar have lured travelers to Estes Park since the hotel opened in 1909. But the Stanley reached new levels of fame after inspiring Stephen King's fictional Overlook Hotel from The Shining . That eerie association aside, many other ghost sightings and mysterious piano music have been connected to the hotel. The Stanley Hotel leans into its reputation quite cleverly, offering nightly ghost tours and psychic consultations from the in-house Madame Vera .

Planning a visit: Estes Park is a popular base for visitors heading to see the majesty of Rocky Mountain National Park , so hiking and outdoor adventuring could easily be bundled with ghostbusting at The Stanley on your next Colorado trip.

St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is visited by nearly 225,000 people annually, but it is just as well-known for its otherworldly visitors. Several tragic events occurred at the now-historic site that have contributed to the alleged paranormal activity. One of the first was when the lighthouse keeper fell to his death while painting the tower; his ghost has since been spotted watching over the grounds. Another event was the horrific death of three young girls, who drowned when the cart they were playing in broke and fell into the ocean. Today, visitors claim to hear the sounds of children playing in and around the lighthouse.

Planning your visit: Stay a while in St. Augustine, voted on of the best small cities in the US in this year's Readers' Choice Awards . There's lots more history to explore in this centuries-old town (founded in 1565 by a Spanish admiral), like the Castillo de San Marcos across the Matanzas River.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, West Virginia

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum opened its doors to patients in 1864, and in the 1950s, the West Virginia facility reached its peak, housing more than 2,400 patients—even though it was designed to hold only 250. The severe overcrowding led to inhumane conditions (like lack of heat and convalescent people kept in cages), and patients started acting increasingly violent, from starting fires to attacking staff members. The asylum finally closed in 1994, but the souls of some patients are said to linger.

Planning your visit: Ghost tours are available for those who dare, but for the rest of us, there are other attractions across the West Fork River that bisects Weston: the Mountaineer Military Museum and the Museum Of American Glass in West Virginia .

Whaley House, San Diego, California

Thomas Whaley built this family estate in 1857 in San Diego , on the former site of the city's first public gallows. Shortly after he moved in, he reported hearing the heavy footsteps of "Yankee" Jim Robinson, a drifter and thief who was hanged on the site four years before the house was built. Whaley's family history ended up being filled with tragic deaths and suicides, many of which occurred inside the home itself. Some of the family members reportedly still haunt the landmark , often accompanied by cigar smoke and the smell of heavy perfume.

Planning a visit: There are day and evening guided tours on offer at the Whaley House; there's even an after-hours investigation package where participants can join “ an actual paranormal investigation ” and get their hands on “ the latest ghost hunting equipment .”

Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California

The Winchester Mystery House might be one the most disturbing construction projects in history. Following the death of her husband and child, Sarah Winchester (the wife of a rifle-maker's son) was informed by a seer that her family was killed by the ghosts of gunshot victims. To keep away the vengeful spirits, she commissioned the Victorian fun house-turned-macabre dwelling that you see today. Some of the creepier features include staircases that lead directly into the ceiling, doors that open onto brick walls, and windows that can take you to secret passages.

Planning your visit: Book a guided tour , since you'll probably need it to navigate this M.C. Escher drawing of a house. If you're looking to be truly transported, grab tickets to the Unhinged immersive theatre experience that's on offer during the Halloween season.

The Bowery Hotel, New York City

This iconic hotel in Manhattan's Lower East Side is out of New York's Gilded Age with opulent decor and charming (albeit sometimes creepy) oil paintings throughout the property. But if you're feeling an otherworldly presence when you check in, that may be due to the poltergeists that allegedly make The Bowery Hotel their home. Some say that the elevators go haywire every night at one in the morning thanks to those spooky specters.

Planning your visit: If you want to stay up until 1:00 a.m. to catch the ghouls wreaking havoc, there's plenty to do in the neighborhood to keep you occupied until then. Grab dinner at nearby Momofuku Ko , then catch a performance at The Bowery Electric .

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10 Spooky Places for Halloween on the East Coast

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Do your kids like a good thrill? Are you as into Halloween as Claire Dunphy on Modern Family? If so, it is time to plan a spooky fall getaway that will give the whole family spine-tingling thrills.

Here are some ideas for the best places for Halloween on the East Coast from small towns to haunted historic cities. From the silly to the macabre, the historic to the fall fun, you are sure to find something to give you a fright.

See more East Coast family vacation ideas.

Best Places for Halloween

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1. Salem, Massachusetts

With its unfortunate history around the Salem Witch Trials, Salem Massachusetts has become a go-to place for chilling fun. For the entire month of October, Salem’s Haunted Happenings take over the town with a festive celebration of Halloween and fall in New England.

More than 250,000 people come to Salem Haunted Happenings each year to take part in events such as a Grand Parade, the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, Family Film Nights on Salem Common, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations.

Visitors also get a thrill out of a visit to the Witch House and can learn about the Salem Witch Trials and modern witchcraft at the Salem Witch Museum .

See what else there is to do in Salem in the fall for those that aren’t as into the spooky stuff.

Where to stay: Hawthorne Hotel or the Hampton Inn Salem .

2. Newport, Rhode Island

This old sailing capital has seen its share of history and retains its share of ghosts. Take a lantern-led ghost tour  down historic Newport, Rhode Island’s shadowy lanes, and discover the ghosts, ghouls, and legends of the haunted city by the sea. 

Newport Shipyard also hosts a “pumpkin regatta” in the middle of October, where you can see paddling around in floating “pumpkins” to raise money for local causes. If you want to explore some local “haunts” on your own, head to Whitehorse Tavern, Purgatory Chasm overlooking Second Beach, Belcourt of Newport, Carey Mansion, and Colt State Park to see if you spy any local ghosts.

For more thrills, head up to nearby Providence for a visit to Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular or take a ghost tour of Providence . You can even visit the Lizzie Borden House in nearby Fall River (or book an overnight stay).

Where to stay: The Vanderbilt in Newport has the best spooky vibes

 3. Sleepy Hollow, New York

If anywhere is going to go big on Halloween, it would be Sleepy Hollow, New York, home to the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” author Washington Irving. On weekends in October, visitors can tour Washington Irving’s house—decorated for the season—watch an original shadow puppet short film, and enjoy games on the lawn. See how the “Legend” has lived on in the imagination of popular culture.

The Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson is one of the best jack-o-lantern displays in the country with more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns—all designed and hand-carved on-site and complete with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack. (Buy tickets online) 

Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Tarrytown Westchester

4. Erie, Pennsylvania

What could be eerier than Erie? This lakeside town offers ghost walks and cemetery walking tours for the brave and daring. Those a bit less courageous can enjoy the ZooBoo! at the Erie Zoo, the Peek’n Peak Fall Fest in mid-October, or haunted hayrides and corn mazes.

For more frights, try the Eeriebyss Factory of Terror haunted attraction, Murder & Mayhem walking tours, or Fright Night at Presque Isle Light. If you would rather just enjoy some fall fun, Presque Isle State Park is a popular spot for birders, with more than 339 species that pass through on the Atlantic Flyway for rest and food as they migrate across Lake Erie.

Where to stay: Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel

5. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The Gettysburg Battlefield is a place where you can feel the presence of the horror that took place in that spot, especially when you take a tour with a licensed guide and they tell you stories from the Civil War.

To see for yourself, take either a Civil War Ghosts nightly walking ghost tour of downtown inns and buildings to hear the gripping stories of the ghosts and hauntings of Gettysburg, or take a battlefield tour with Battlefield Paranormal Excursions . These small group tours make use of ghost meters, EMF detectors, dowsing rods, temperature gauges, and more paranormal tools.

Beyond the battlefield, Gettysburg offers tons of fall fun with Fields of Adventure , offering a corn maze, hay rides, pumpkin fields, and more. Gettysburg also hosts the National Apple Festival in early October.

Where to stay: Gettysburg Hotel

6. Frederick, Maryland

Did you know that Frederick is Maryland’s Most Haunted City?? Neither did I but their master storytellers will take visitors on a candlelight tour through Frederick’s historic district, leading guests through dark streets and alleyways, weaving together historical accounts and documented stories of the paranormal. The city’s long and storied history is full of tales of soldiers, famous local residents, and moments that shaped the nation’s history.

A few of the “haunted” sites include the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and City Hall. Explore these sites through Frederick Ghost Tours or Cemetery Tours.

On the less scary side, Frederick has strong German roots and this is clear in the Frederick Oktoberfest . Located on the Frederick Fairgrounds, Oktoberfest offers over a dozen different types of beers, including some from local breweries, along with several food tents that serve up brats, strudel, pretzels, and schnitzel.  Visitors will also take part in music and dancing, children’s events, and a sports tent.

Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Frederick

7. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond has a whole host of scary attractions, from Kings Dominion’s Halloween Haunt to a ghost tour of Richmond’s historic neighborhoods. Visitors can join an October UnHappy Hour at the Poe Museum or experience an evening of spellbinding tales at Haunted Henricus Historical Park.

For even more frights, at the Terror on the Farm at Ashland Berry Farm or the Creepy Hallow Scream Park with live actors, monsters, incredible animatronics, amazing illusions, and acres of screams. If terror isn’t your thing, maybe try a walk through “Garden Glow” at Maymont Gardens and trails, complete with food trucks and fire pits.

Where to stay: The Jefferson

8. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known as the most haunted city in America. See if you can spy one of the local ghosts or experience some serious paranormal activity at the Hamilton-Turner Inn (made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil ), the Marshall House, 17 Hundred 90 Inn, Kehoe House, and Moon River Brewing Company. The Pirates’ House restaurant is another historic spot that is rumored to be haunted.

From its annual Oktoberfest in the Plant Riverside District to Tybee Island’s Pirate Festival in early October, Savannah is a great place to visit in the fall. For those that are looking for thrills,  6th Sense World Savannah Ghost Tours cover paranormal and haunted story topics of poltergeists, hags, exorcism, missing cemeteries, disembodies spirit forms, and haunted hotels.

Where to stay: The Marshall House

9. St. Augustine, Florida

Located in Florida’s northeastern “Historic Coast”, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S. and home to quite a few ghost stories and haunts. Learn a few of them on a St. Augustine Ghosts & Gravestones tour in the historic downtown, which was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers.

You can even stay in a “haunted” hotel. Dating back to 1791, the St. Francis Inn is on the Select Registry of luxury inns and each room and suite is unique. If you don’t mind sharing with a ghost, request Lily’s room. Of course, if you want the opposite of death, visit the Fountain of Youth . 

For more non-spooky fall fun, the Sykes Family Farms’ award-winning Crop Mazes are an annual treat in St. Augustine in October. Creepy crawly fun can be had at the Creatures of the Night events throughout October at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

Where to stay: St. Francis Inn

10. Orlando, Florida

Yes, the “happiest place on earth” can also be a great place for Halloween. While Walt Disney World keeps Halloween tame with Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party . Just keep in mind that this is a special ticketed event not included in your entrance ticket/reservation and need to be booked in advance (and yes, they do sell out early!)

For the real thrills, head to Universal Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights. My friend Bryanna has a full guide to Halloween Horror Nights , but this event includes 10 haunted houses, five Scare Zones, themed shows, and decked-out rides and attractions. Guests can come in full costume, just be sure to buy your ticket to the event as it isn’t included in admission.

Even SeaWorld gets into the action with Howl-o-Scream , with 5 haunted houses, 7 scare zones, 3 terrifying live shows, roaming hoards, and pulse-pounding coasters in the dark, or Halloween Spooktacular for younger kids.

Legoland Florida also hosts a Monster Party as part of its Brick-or-Treat celebration during late September and October weekends. There you will find tons of candy, new shows, never-before-seen exclusive LEGO® characters, and a costume parade.

Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

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Publish Date: October 11, 2022

9 thoughts on “10 Spooky Places for Halloween on the East Coast”

I’m not a big fan of spooky stuff but the Jack-o-lantern festival looks fun!

I’m with you!

This is a great collection of spooky activities! I wish we were closer because there is nowhere more beautiful than the northeast U.S. in the fall, but thankfully, we have some fun Halloween events in the west as well.

We have to have a nice fall since winter is so brutal

Tamara, great list! another suggestion is the Ghost Tour at the Mount estate of Edith Wharton in our favorite Berkshires in Western Mass:)http://www.edithwharton.org/programs-and-events/ghosts/

Great to know, thanks for suggesting it!

Great suggestion! Thank you for adding it.

Love this – so MANY great places to explore!

Love this Tamara. Fun round up!

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America's Scariest Halloween Attractions

Every Halloween, a frightening fever sweeps the nation with scary haunted houses, hair-raising theme parks and creepy mazes. If you dare, check out these Halloween attractions for lots of terrifying thrills.

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The 26 Best Haunted Houses for a Seriously Scary Halloween

Ah, fall. The leaves are turning , the apple cider is brewing and the undead are chasing you through the halls of a haunted house. If your idea of a great Halloween involves being scared out of your wits, we’ve got you covered. Haunted houses around the country start opening their creaky doors in September and there’s something for everyone, whether you want lightly spooky or absolute nightmare terror. This year things are bit different due to COVID-19 safety measures, so it’s best to plan ahead and buy tickets online in advance. You’ll also want to read up on any required safety precautions, such as mask wearing. From family-friendly fun to adults-only haunts, here are 26 of the best haunted attractions around the country to experience this fall. (Warning: Some of the images and videos below are seriously scary… proceed with caution.)

50 Halloween Dessert Ideas, from Totally Spooky to Extra Sweet

1. Knott's Scary Farm

When: September 16 to October 31, 2021

Where: Buena, CA

What to expect: Southern California’s biggest Halloween event is full of scares, including numerous haunted mazes and attractions. There are also more than 1,000 terrifying creatures wandering the amusement park, so watch where you walk. The event is recommend for those over 13 years old.

2. The Bates Motel And Haunted Hayride

When: September 24 to October 31, 2021

Where: Glen Mills, PA

What to expect: Walk through a haunted forest, filled with terrifying sets and monsters, on a trail known as the “Psycho Path” and then head into the Bates Motel, a haunted house known for its high-level special effects. Don’t miss the Revenge of the Scarecrows Haunted Corn Trail, a haunted corn maze that will send you running back to the car in fear.

3. Midnight Terror Haunted House

When: September 24 to November 6, 2021

Where: Oak Lawn, IL

What to expect: Taking up over 26,000 square feet, Midnight Terror Haunted House emphasizes using live actors to horrify its guests. There’s a lot to explore, including the “Factory of Malum” and “Black Oak Grove,” which are full of terrifying surprises. There’s an extensive story behind everything you see, making the experience all the more realistic.

4. The Haunted Trail Of Balboa Park

Where: San Diego, CA

What to expect: Explore two haunts in one location: The Haunted Trail and The eXperiment Maze. Follow a twisting trail through Balboa Park once you escape the mile-long maze, but watch out for dangers lurking behind the trees. Favorite horror icons, like Pennywise and Michael Meyers, can be found throughout the haunted attraction. This one is best for those over the age of 10.

5. Headless Horseman Hayrides And Haunted Houses

When: September 25 to October 31

Where: Ulster Park, NY

What to expect: One of the most famous haunted attractions in America, Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses covers 65 acres and includes a haunted walking trail, corn maze and five haunted houses. There are a few special children’s days where the terror is toned down for younger (or weak of heart) guests. The entire experience lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything.

6. Netherworld Haunted House

When: September 24 to November 13, 2021

Where: Stone Mountain, GA

What to expect: Walk through Stone Mountain’s famed Halloween attraction, which is filled with live actors, monsters and intense special effects. It’s regularly named one of the best haunted houses in the U.S., and it features two haunts, Netherworld and Cyber Shock, which take about 45 minutes to explore in total. The minimum age is five, although kids who scare easily should probably skip this one.

7. Shocktober Fest

When: October 1 to November 6, 2021

Where: Sinking Spring, PA

What to expect: Located on Tulleys Farm, Shocktober Fest features 10 haunts, including “The Island,” “Twisted Clowns” and “The Chop Shop.” It’s notably immersive, with lots of live actors and special effects, although the event isn’t just about the scares. There are also two stages of live music, plus bars and street food options. Bring the whole family—if you dare.

8. Bayville Scream Park

When: September 24 to November 7, 2021

Where: Bayville, NY

What to expect: Discover seven terrifying attractions at Bayville Scream Park, one of Long Island’s favorite haunted attractions. It’s intended for older kids and adults (although there are a few tamer kid’s days on the calendar) and the park also boasts a selection of food, including two full-service restaurants and two bars. Best of all, one ticket covers the entire Halloween season, so you can return to explore different haunts on multiple days if you can’t see them all at once.

9. Haunted Hills Hospital

Where: Columbia City, IN

What to expect: Join the deranged mental patients at Haunted Hills Hospital, a haunted attraction that only the truly fearless will survive. For a truly horrifying experience, book a ticket to one of the blackout days, where guests will explore the hospital in total darkness. It also includes access to the new Mayhem Midway, which features axe throwing, a live DJ, an escape room and food vendors.

10. The Haunted Mines

When: September 25 to November 6, 2021

Where: Colorado Springs, CO

What to expect: The long-standing Haunted Mines experience takes over 28,000 square feet, with 2021 embracing a bigger and even better collection of scares. Many of the sets and actors are based on mysterious real events from Colorado’s mining history, but try not to think about how much of it could be true as you venture through the rooms.

11. Field Of Screams

When: September 10 to November 13, 2021

Where: Mountville, PA

What to expect: Field of Scream is often named one of the best haunted houses in the country, and for good reason. It includes four attractions, including a hayride, two houses and a haunted woods, and it makes for a terrifying night out during the Halloween season. There are also concessions with food and drinks and live bands take the stage on several nights of the yearly event.

12. The Dent School House

When: September 17 to November 6, 2021

Where: Cincinnati, OH

What to expect: A murderous janitor roams the halls of The Dent School House, a Halloween tradition in Cincinnati. The attraction, set in an actual schoolhouse and based on a true story, gets upgraded each year, with new sets and effects throughout the rooms. All ages are welcome, although those with a low fear threshold might want to avoid these classrooms. The Dent School House has food on sale for guests, as well.

13. Haunted Overload

When: October 8 to 31, 2021

Where: Lee, NH

What to expect: Located on the DeMeritt Hill Farm, Haunted Overload’s mission in all in the name. The attraction is different from year to year, but it always hosts a nighttime haunt for adults and daytime hours for kids looking for something slightly less scary. Follow along a scary trail, where you never know what might jump out at you.

14. The 13th Floor

When: September 11 to November 6, 2021

Where: Denver, CO

What to expect: Explore a secret “13 th floor,” which is filled with sinister creatures and scares at Denver’s favorite haunted attraction. There are two separate haunted houses for 2021, “Frost-Bite” and “The Dollmaker,” both of which welcome older kids—think PG-13 and up—for a jolt of terror. Buy a skip the line ticket to avoid waiting outside ahead of entry.

15. Cutting Edge Haunted House

When: October 1 to October 31, 2021

Where: Fort Worth, TX

What to expect: Cutting Edge Haunted House is set in a 100-year-old abandoned meat packing plant, which sets the stage for the screams to come. It takes about an hour to explore the multi-themed rooms, filled with sets, actors and monsters, and visitors should prepare themselves for a fully immersive experience.

16. Fright Fest At Six Flags Great Adventure

When: September 10 to October 31, 2021

Where: Jackson, NJ

What to expect: Come during daylight hours for family-friendly scares or arrive after dark to experience the full terror of Six Flags’ annual Fright Fest. It includes live shows, a trick-or-trail trail, haunted mazes and rides, including the new Jersey Devil Coaster, which roars through eerie nighttime fog.

17. The 13th Gate

When: October 1 to November 13, 2021

Where: Baton Rouge, LA

What to expect: Intended to blur the line between reality and horror, The 13 th Gate is a 40,000-square-foot haunted house that is not for the easily scared (or for children). It takes visitors through a pirate ship, the dangerous streets of Whitechapel with Jack the Ripper, hidden subterranean passages filled with live snakes and a zombie-infested graveyard, all of which are terrifyingly realistic.

18. Pennhurst Asylum

Where: Spring City, PA

What to expect: Navigate the maximum security wing of Pennhurst Asylum, before exploring the mental hospital’s morgue and 1,200-foot tunnels, which once housed a government research facility. It’s an immersive attraction with great storytelling behind it, and visitors should be prepared for special effects that involve fire and smoke. This one is for older guests, so find a babysitter for the kids.

19. Halloween Horror Nights At Universal Studios

When: September 3 to October 31, 2021

Where: Los Angeles, CA and Orlando, FL

What to expect: Universal Studios’ annual Halloween celebration features numerous themed attractions, including a haunted house based on Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House . There are also frightening experiences based on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Beetlejuice , and it’s scary enough that kids under 13 should stay home. Visitors can also expect live shows and five special “scare zones.”

20. Cedar Point Halloweekends

When: September 17 to October 31, 2021

Where: Sandusky, OH

What to expect: For something more family-friendly, head to Cedar Point on select weekends throughout the fall. There is trick-or-treating for young kids, and haunted attractions and mazes for those a little older. Don’t miss America’s Spooky Roller Coast, which is terrifying when the sun goes down.

21. Blood Manor

Where: New York, NY

What to expect: New York City’s Broadway hosts Blood Manor, an annual haunted house that features 10,000 square feet of themed rooms and a labyrinth of passageways and corridors. It’s designed to be the most intense attraction of its kind in New York, and it’s not recommended for anyone under 14 (or for those who scare easily). The house is wheelchair accessible, so this is a good pick for anyone with limited mobility.

21. Reaper’s Revenge

Where: Scranton, PA

What to expect: There’s a lot of terror to explore at Reaper’s Revenge, an annual attraction that hosts a hayride, a horrifying carnival and several other themed haunts. A ticket includes access to all over the site’s offerings, and it can take nearly two hours to experience them all. Food is available for purchase, should you not be too nervous to eat. Keep kids under 10 at home.

22. A Petrified Forest

When: October 1 to 30, 2021

Where: Altamonte Springs, FL

What to expect: Plan a night out to A Petrified Forest, which boasts three haunted trails, live music, food trucks and activities. The haunted attractions are considered PG-13 level, but kids of all ages are welcome to attend.

23. Haunted Schoolhouse And Laboratory

When: September 18 to November 6, 2021

Where: Akron, OH

What to expect: Comprised of two separate haunted houses, Akron’s Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory brings double the scares for one ticket. It’s notably scary (kids are 12 should stay home) and guests can book into the even more terrifying blackout nights to creep through the attraction in the dark.

24. Frightmare Manor

Where: Talbott, TN

What to expect: Located on the site of real-life serial killer Jeremiah Lexer’s former plantation, Frightmare Manor covers 20 acres, with numerous walk-through attractions. It’s so absolutely terrifying that if you make it through the entire experience and beat the so-called “Nightmare Challenge,” you get your money back.

25. Scary Acres

Where: Hope, RI

What to expect: Head to Scary Acres to immerse yourself in three terrifying attractions, including the “Haunted Woods” and the “Master’s Castle.” There are also bonfires, food and live entertainment, making it feel like a Halloween theme park come to life. There’s no age restriction and plan for at least 90 minutes (if not longer) to go through all three haunts.

The 16 Most Hair-Raising and Spine-Chilling Ghost Tours Across the U.S.

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The USA’s Greatest Haunts

We welcome you our site. USA’S GREATEST HAUNTS is determined to remind just how frightful the country loves to make itself come Halloween time. Dedicated to highlighting the best and the scariest, USA’S GREATEST HAUNTS is a pinnacle of recognition for top notch haunted houses everywhere, showcasing their amazing abilities to scare, traumatize, startle, intimidate, and especially, make people pee themselves. Judged by a panel with over forty years of combined experience, we determine the haunted houses that are safe, well-advertised, well-built, well-paced, have wicked good aesthetics, and much more. Haunted houses are no longer just a thrill ride: they are an art and a business. Business is terror. And terror is pleasure. And we make sure the business is booming.

Below are our picks of the Top 10 Greatest Haunted Houses in America to visit in 2023.

1. sacramento scream park, sacramento, ca.

https://screamparkcalifornia.com

2. Hanna Haunted Acres, Indianapolis, IN

https://hannahauntedacres.com

3. Hush Haunted Attractions, Westland, MI

https://hushhauntedattractions.com

4. Bayville Scream Park, Long Island, NY

https://bayvillescreampark.com

5. Fear Overload Scream Park, SF Bay Area, CA

https://fearoverload.com

6. Folklore Haunted House, Atlanta, GA

https://folklorehauntedhouse.com

7. ScareGrounds PDX, Portland, OR

https://scaregroundspdx.com

8. The Darkness, Saint Louis, MO

www.thedarkness.com

9. Jekyll & Hyde’s Haunted Asylum, NYC, NY

https://jekyllandhydehauntedasylum.com

10. Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City, UT

https://www.nightmareon13th.com

Runner-Up Haunted Houses

HellsGate Haunted House , IL

Haunted Overload , NH

Netherworld Haunted House , GA

Thrillvania , TX

Wisconsin Fear Grounds , WI

Erebus Haunted Attraction , MI

Scarehouse . PA

Statesville Haunted Prison , IL

Dark Hour Haunted House , TX

Factory of Terror , OH

Hundred Acres Manor , PA

Basement of the Dead , IL

Fright Kingdom , NH

13th Floor Haunted House , CO

The Dent Schoolhouse , OH

Cutting Edge Haunted House , TX

Terror on the Fox , WI

The Mortuary , LA

Niles Scream Park , MI

Pennhurst Asylum , PA

10 best haunted attractions across the country, according to readers